SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), a 1-ton technology demonstrator, is set to undergo significant design refinements as it transitions from a developmental platform into a full-fledged program for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Originally conceived by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to validate critical technologies for stealth and unmanned flight, the SWiFT UAV has now received the IAF’s approval to evolve into an operational combat system, marking a pivotal moment in India’s quest for advanced aerial capabilities. This development, announced in early 2025, reflects the IAF’s growing commitment to integrating stealth UCAVs into its arsenal to address modern warfare challenges.
The SWiFT UAV, weighing approximately 1 ton, was first flown on July 1, 2022, at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Designed by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), it served as a scaled-down precursor to the larger Ghatak UCAV, testing key technologies such as autonomous flight, high-speed landing, and stealth features. Powered initially by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT turbofan engine, the SWiFT demonstrated flawless autonomous take-off, waypoint navigation, and landing during its maiden flight, laying the groundwork for India’s ambitions in unmanned combat aviation.
The IAF’s decision to greenlight SWiFT’s transition into a full program signals a shift from its role as a Technology Demonstrator (TD) to a deployable platform. With a take off weigh of around 1 ton, the SWiFT is envisioned as a versatile mini-bomber and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset. Its flying-wing configuration—a tailless design that reduces radar cross-section (RCS)—enhances its stealth profile, making it ideal for penetrating contested airspace undetected. The move aligns with global trends, where nations like China (GJ-11 Sharp Sword) and Russia (Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik) have prioritized stealth UCAVs for strategic advantage.
The transition to a full-fledged program brings with it a mandate for further design refinements. Early iterations of SWiFT showcased a U-shaped air intake and a streamlined exhaust, changes from its initial rounded, hooded rear design aimed at improving aerodynamics and reducing RCS. Sources indicate that upcoming enhancements will focus on optimizing these stealth characteristics, potentially incorporating indigenous radar-absorbent materials and coatings—technologies also slated for the Ghatak program, where 70% of stealth is derived from shape and 30% from materials.
Another key area of refinement is the propulsion system. While the SWiFT currently relies on the NPO Saturn 36MT, plans are underway to replace it with the indigenous Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), also known as the Manik engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). Successfully tested on the Nirbhay cruise missile, the STFE offers a compact, reliable powerplant suited to SWiFT’s 1-ton frame, with a cruising speed of 0.6 Mach, a 250-kilometer line-of-sight range, and a 6-kilometer service ceiling. This shift to an indigenous engine underscores India’s drive for self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers amid geopolitical uncertainties.
The UAV’s internal weapons bay, capable of carrying a 100-kilogram payload across two hardpoints, will also see upgrades. Future iterations may integrate precision-guided munitions or electronic warfare suites, enhancing SWiFT’s role as a mini-bomber and ISR platform.
The SWiFT’s evolution also ties into broader unmanned initiatives. While the larger Ghatak UCAV (15-ton class) remains a long-term goal—with a full-scale prototype expected by late 2025—SWiFT offers a near-term solution. Its mini-bomber role enables precision strikes against high-value targets, while its ISR capabilities provide real-time intelligence, critical for fast-evolving conflicts along India’s borders. The IAF reportedly envisions a minimum order of 100 units, with potential adaptations for the Indian Navy’s carrier-based operations alongside the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).
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