SOURCE: AFI
Tarmak Media House (TMH) has released exclusive images of the ADE-developed Archer Short-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SRUAV), showcasing the UAV in its latest manufacturing phase. The revamped Archer, distinct from the earlier Rustom-1 and unrelated to the NG variant, is nearing its first flight in its new configuration.
The Archer SRUAV has undergone significant design enhancements, including a lightweight airframe manufactured by Godrej, which has reduced the UAV’s weight by 80 kg. This reduction has not only improved its agility but also enhanced its payload capacity, allowing it to carry anti-tank weapons and bombs of equivalent weight. Archer’s revamped airframe positions it as an ideal platform for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, as well as armed roles.
The Archer SRUAV is claimed to rival Turkey’s Bayraktar-TB2 in performance and cost-effectiveness while outclassing the Israeli Searcher MkII, recently phased out by the Indian Navy. With advanced capabilities and indigenous manufacturing under the MakeInIndia initiative, the Archer is poised to fill critical operational gaps for the Indian Armed Forces.
Archer has demonstrated weapon delivery capabilities in earlier test flights, marking it as a formidable asset in armed roles. The current iteration promises to build on this foundation, providing the Indian military with a cost-effective yet powerful UAV system tailored for modern warfare.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the development-cum-production partner for the Archer program. The program has garnered significant attention from DRDO headquarters, with Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasizing accelerated progress. Under the leadership of the new Director General of Aeronautics, Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon, DRDO has mandated stricter timelines and accountability to ensure timely delivery of critical projects like the Archer.
The Archer program aims to bridge the gap in India’s UAV capabilities by delivering a cost-effective, indigenous solution. It aligns with the nation’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing and addresses the growing need for effective unmanned platforms.