SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
According to Anantha Krishnan MA, India’s indigenous defense capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the development of an advanced variant of the Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT), designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). According to sources, this upgraded version of Abhyas is in the advanced stages of development and could mark a transformative step in its operational utility by incorporating an integrated warhead, effectively transforming it into a high-speed kamikaze drone.
The new variant is being tailored for enhanced combat roles, with visible modifications already implemented. Notably, the nose cone of the Abhyas has been redesigned to include a ballast system, enabling it to accommodate the warhead payload. This evolution positions the platform as a versatile and cost-effective solution for precision strikes, offering a robust alternative to traditional aerial targets used for missile testing.
The upgraded Abhyas is expected to achieve speeds of Mach 0.5 and boast an impressive range of 300–400 km. Its rugged design and simplified launch mechanism ensure ease of deployment, making it a practical choice for future engagements. These enhancements align with India’s push for self-reliance in defense technologies, providing a powerful yet economical platform for both training and operational missions.
Industry sources have revealed that Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a key player in India’s defense manufacturing sector, is in discussions with ADE to produce up to 300 units of the Abhyas variant. While these talks are ongoing, the collaboration underscores the growing role of private industry in scaling up indigenous defense production.
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