Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies, an Indian defence and aerospace company, achieved a milestone in Bengaluru by unveiling the FWD-200B. This aircraft is touted as India's first indigenous bomber unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The FWD-200B is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle that has been entirely designed and manufactured in India. According to the firm, it boasts a payload capacity of 100 kgs and is capable of carrying optical surveillance payloads as well as precision air-strike weapons.

Addressing the unveiling ceremony in Bengaluru, Suhas Tejaskanda, founder of Flying Wedge Defence, emphasised that the FWD-200B marks a significant achievement for India, fulfilling the long-awaited dream of producing a combat UAV domestically. He highlighted the challenges faced by agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in this regard.

The firm announced a notable achievement in cost reduction, with the Indian-made FWD-200B priced at just Rs 25 crores, in stark contrast to the staggering Rs 250 crore cost of imported US Predator drones. Tejaskanda emphasised that this substantial cost reduction demonstrates the company's commitment to self-reliance and positions India as a leader in cost-effective defence solutions.

With features including a 12-20 hour endurance, maximum speed of 200 kts/370 kmph, and a ground control station range of 200 km, the FWD-200B is envisioned as the "nation’s eagle eye" and a vital aerial shield against threats.

The firm stressed that the unveiling of the FWD-200B represents a significant boost to India's Make in India initiative, reducing dependency on costly imports for strategic defence equipment like UAVs.

Image source: Times of India