Ghatak and Rustom Indigenous UAV Programs

[Ashwin]

Payloads​

• EOP (MREO/LREO with LD)
• SAR/MPAR & AIS
• ESM (ELINT, COMINT, UCR)
• SATCOM
• Speed / Altitude: 225 kmph, 30,000 ft (Ceiling)
• Endurance: 12–15 hours
• Range: 250 km LOS / 1000 km (SATCOM)
• Air Force, Army: EO, SAR
• Navy: EO, MPAR, AIS, SCS, SDT

---

Highlights​

• 90% Indigenous Content – Airframe, LG, Avionics, MW & SW, SBAS-based ATOL
  w/o ground radar, LOS & SATCOM Datalink, Advanced GCS, Payloads (except EO & MPAR)
• Indigenous Engine Integrated & Ready for Maiden Flight
• Day & Night Take-Off, Landing and Operations
• PSQR validation flight trials in progress with CEMILAC & DGAQA clearance

 

[Gautam]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1945493322061300127

https://twitter.com/x/status/1945537019838697655

@marich01 recently found that Ghatak UCAV might get a 2D thrust vectoring nozzle. GTRE is getting a prototype 3D printed:

 

[Tatvamasi]

 

[FalconSlayers]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1948690237040795698

 

[marich01]

update in it, if you can read

 

[marich01]

 

[CATS @hunter]

Any news on Swift K? @marich01

 

[Prokion]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1959165358771671295

https://twitter.com/x/status/1959182701971333599

 

[Crimson Fox]

View attachment 46081

Archer
• MREO Payload integration, Weapon Integration, Captive Flight Trials, In-Flight Safe Separation and ATOL demonstrated
• Flight trial preparation / taxi trial for indigenous airframe under progress

Tapas
• First indigenous MALE variant with 90% Indigenous Content
• Technically most advanced platform with indigenous jam-resistant and encrypted datalink, features like LoS/BLoS, ATOL, Day/Night Flights, SATCOM, RVT, auto-takeoff
• Mission sensor for ISTAR operations and Advanced AI based (KAVACH) system embedded in GOS
• Demonstrated PSQR validation flight trials with CEMILAC & DGCA
• Flight with indigenous engine is planned in Sept/Oct 2025

Archer NG
• Improved MALE Variant with SETB architecture for ISTAR roles & optional Weaponized
• Design & Development completed, Prototype realized
• Flight with CEMILAC clearance planned in Sept 2025

 

[marich01]

Any news on Swift K? @marich01

don't know, still td hence not much news

 

[FalconSlayers]

don't know, still td hence not much news

Is it even an official programme?

 

[screambowl]

Earlier these systems get fully operational and inducted in good strength better it will be. There is no time to waste now.

 

[CATS @hunter]

Is it even an official programme?

It should be, it's the only stealth thing flying out there,

 

[_Anonymous_]

It should be, it's the only stealth thing flying out there,

In between there was news in the immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor the SWIFT would be inducted as an ISR cum suicide drone. It's not a high priority project for the platform already exists & has been validated . Modifications will follow depending on the role. News if any will gradually make its way to the MSM & SM.

 

[_Anonymous_]

Archer NG
• Improved MALE Variant with SETB architecture for ISTAR roles & optional Weaponized
• Design & Development completed, Prototype realized
• Flight with CEMILAC clearance planned in Sept 2025

Leaving aside what's transpired in the past , as of end last year we received news the Archer NG would fly around the time of the AI-25 . Then on the eve of AI-25 we received news it'd fly immediately upon the completion of the event , somewhere in early March.

Then came a postponement to April after which I lost track. Now comes the latest news it's going to be flying for certification by CEMILAC no less in September.

ADE is a joke . If the HALE drone project , we're developing ends up with them , we're in for a good 10-15 years of fun .

All those 18 year olds here who want a stress free career which pays decently yet doesn't makes much demands off you , kindly consider joining ADE . Take a cue from RST though he seems absconding off late.

If this organisation in spite of its abysmal performance is still around , chances are it will continue for another 2-3 decades by which time all those who're 20 now will turn 50.

Even if the GoI shuts down the lab then you can be assured of a hefty VRS package & assured pension

 

[marich01]

Is it even an official programme?

of course, but the enabling tech also need realisation first, very much case specific items like intake, smart materials, perhaps weapon bay etc. Very unique program.

 

[FalconSlayers]

of course, but the enabling tech also need realisation first, very much case specific items like intake, smart materials, perhaps weapon bay etc. Very unique program.

Isn't SWIFT-K essentially a loitering munition? It's payload capacity is too low (2x50kg).

 

[CATS @hunter]

Isn't SWIFT-K essentially a loitering munition? It's payload capacity is too low (2x50kg).

You can configure it carry 4/5 UPLGM missile in the internal bay, which can be used for short range SEAD/DEAD missions,

 

[RationalGuy]

of course, but the enabling tech also need realisation first, very much case specific items like intake, smart materials, perhaps weapon bay etc. Very unique program.

Do you reckon we will see RPSA before AMCA Mk1 or around the same time?

 

[marich01]

Do you reckon we will see RPSA before AMCA Mk1 or around the same time?

I have no idea, this sort of prediction is anybody's guess as good as mine.