Ghatak and Rustom Indigenous UAV Programs

[Gautam]

This is the newer design

https://twitter.com/x/status/1945486514340933939

https://twitter.com/x/status/2037415066421870744

View attachment 50771

DRDO regularly used older models for representative purposes. We have seen the same with AMCA. Many DRDO/ADA presentations showed the AMCA with a spitter plate intake long after the actual model had adopted a DSI type intake.

As for concept arts, almost all of the Ghatak/RPSA artworks are made based on early concept artworks shared by LiveFist & the SwIFT models. Shouldn't take them as the latest models.

 

[babablacksheep]

DRDO regularly used older models for representative purposes. We have seen the same with AMCA. Many DRDO/ADA presentations showed the AMCA with a spitter plate intake long after the actual model had adopted a DSI type intake.

As for concept arts, almost all of the Ghatak/RPSA artworks are made based on early concept artworks shared by LiveFist & the SwIFT models. Shouldn't take them as the latest models.

Yeah, but this drdo model in the presentation shows a much more reduced height, more vertically lower profile/sleeker profile than before.
The artwork is mostly accurate to the presentation model shown.

Also tailsection is more shallow and wider in the presentation model

 

[Rajput Lion]

Final design still may be WIP, so no need to fret.

 

[babablacksheep]

Final design still may be WIP, so no need to fret.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1945486514340933939

*Airframe design is completed with the DCPP partner*

 

[Rajput Lion]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1945486514340933939

*Airframe design is completed with the DCPP partner*

Then maybe this design is final. I prefer the design which @Gautam posted though. Looked more sleek

 

[spice]

India’s Ghatak reboot: Rs 39,000 crore stealth drone project gets green light

India's Air Force is set to acquire unmanned stealth fighters. This initiative will create a Rs 39,000 crore opportunity for domestic industries. The Defence Ministry has approved a collaboration model involving private sector partners. The Defence Research and Development Organisation will lead...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

Indian Air Force's plan to acquire unmanned stealth fighters is set to open a Rs 39,000 crore opportunity for domestic industry, with the defence ministry approving a collaboration model involving private sector partners.Under the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme, earlier known as Ghatak, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will adopt a development-cum-production partner (DCPP) model. It will invite bids from industry to build six prototypes at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.

Following prototype development, orders will be placed for serial production of over 60 unmanned stealth fighters, enough to form four squadrons. The numbers are expected to rise as the military shifts towards unmanned warfare. The aircraft are targeted to be ready for induction in eight years.

Aligned with the government's push to reduce import dependence, RPSA is expected to have more than 80% indigenous content and will be capable of deploying a range of locally developed weapons. These are likely to include future versions of Astra long-range air-to-air missiles and next-generation air-to-ground systems being developed by DRDO. The aircraft, similar in size to fighter jets, will be powered by a jet engine and feature stealth characteristics.

The programme is being developed alongside the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, with the two platforms expected to operate together as part of manned-unmanned teaming - one of the key goals of Vision 2047. The development model mirrors that of the AMCA programme, for which Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Larsen & Toubro have been shortlisted. Formal tenders to select industry partners for the RPSA project are expected shortly.

 

[Choice_of _inevitability]

India’s Ghatak reboot: Rs 39,000 crore stealth drone project gets green light

India's Air Force is set to acquire unmanned stealth fighters. This initiative will create a Rs 39,000 crore opportunity for domestic industries. The Defence Ministry has approved a collaboration model involving private sector partners. The Defence Research and Development Organisation will lead...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

Indian Air Force's plan to acquire unmanned stealth fighters is set to open a Rs 39,000 crore opportunity for domestic industry, with the defence ministry approving a collaboration model involving private sector partners.Under the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme, earlier known as Ghatak, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will adopt a development-cum-production partner (DCPP) model. It will invite bids from industry to build six prototypes at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.

Following prototype development, orders will be placed for serial production of over 60 unmanned stealth fighters, enough to form four squadrons. The numbers are expected to rise as the military shifts towards unmanned warfare. The aircraft are targeted to be ready for induction in eight years.

Aligned with the government's push to reduce import dependence, RPSA is expected to have more than 80% indigenous content and will be capable of deploying a range of locally developed weapons. These are likely to include future versions of Astra long-range air-to-air missiles and next-generation air-to-ground systems being developed by DRDO. The aircraft, similar in size to fighter jets, will be powered by a jet engine and feature stealth characteristics.

The programme is being developed alongside the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, with the two platforms expected to operate together as part of manned-unmanned teaming - one of the key goals of Vision 2047. The development model mirrors that of the AMCA programme, for which Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Larsen & Toubro have been shortlisted. Formal tenders to select industry partners for the RPSA project are expected shortly.

Wasn't L&T already the DcPP as per that presentation?

 

[lmaoxd]

yea. I think economic times is bugging lol. No way it takes 8 yrs from now for ghatak. most analysts expect a 2031 ish induction

Wasn't L&T already the DcPP as per that presentation?

 

[Aniruddha]

Wasn't L&T already the DcPP as per that presentation?

Yes they are.
Also Godrej has been contracted to deliver some 6-8 KDE engines that will power these prototypes.
Also to my knowledge the work on the first prototype was underway prior to the DAC clearing the RPSA procurement.

 

[lmaoxd]

Yes they are.
Also Godrej has been contracted to deliver some 6-8 KDE engines that will power these prototypes.
Also to my knowledge the work on the first prototype was underway prior to the DAC clearing the RPSA procurement.

yea thats what i thought as well. Idk about the first prototype since we have a lot of conflicting info there.

 

[Aniruddha]

yea thats what i thought as well. Idk about the first prototype since we have a lot of conflicting info there.

If you watch the video from 0:12 onwards you can clearly hear the lady say that the integration of LRUs is ongoing, so definitely work on the first prototype is underway.

 

[RISING SUN]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2039338308367733113

 

[Ashwin]

Why not make a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed around the Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE).

Engine Specifications (KDE)
- Dry Thrust (SLS): 46 kN (conservative)
- Dry Thrust (In-Flight): 50-52 kN (what matters for fighter design)
- Engine Weight: ~1,165 kg
- Engine T/W Ratio: 7.36:1 (excellent)
- SFC: 0.85 kg/(kN·h) - very efficient
- Status: Certification expected by 2026, in-flight testing ongoing

Aircraft Design Parameters

Parameter	Value
MTOW	8,000 kg
OEW	3,760 kg (47% of MTOW)
Max Internal Fuel	4,240 kg (53% fuel fraction)
Combat Weight	6,320-6,368 kg (with 2 BVR missiles + 50% fuel)
Combat T/W Ratio	0.81 (excellent for 1.2M + maneuvering)
Wing Area	27.6 m²
Wing Loading	290 kg/m²
Max Speed	1.2 Mach (sustained, dry)
Service Ceiling	40,000-42,000 ft

Combat Radius	1,100-1,300 km
Endurance	1.5-2.8 hours (on internal fuel)

BVR Weapons Integration
- 2 × Astra Mk-3 (220 kg each) = 440 kg total
- OR 2 × Meteor (200 kg each) = 400 kg total
- Internal bay volume: 1.0-1.2 m³ (semi-recessed)

Strategic Advantages
- Atmanirbhar - 100% indigenous engine (KDE)
- Cost-effective - ~$25-28M flyaway cost (~50% of Tejas)
- Trainer-to-combat - Adversary training
- No afterburner - simpler, lower thermal signature, better fuel economy
- Superior combat T/W (0.81) - better turn performance than JF-17
- Internal weapons - low-RCS configuration
- Growth path - KDE with AB variant planned (78-80 kN wet)

Application
- CCA
- Adversary training

The KDE's proven dry thrust (46-50 kN) makes this design realistic and achievable within the next 4-6 years of development.

 

[Rajput Lion]

View attachment 50871

Why not make a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed around the Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE).

Engine Specifications (KDE)
- Dry Thrust (SLS): 46 kN (conservative)
- Dry Thrust (In-Flight): 50-52 kN (what matters for fighter design)
- Engine Weight: ~1,165 kg
- Engine T/W Ratio: 7.36:1 (excellent)
- SFC: 0.85 kg/(kN·h) - very efficient
- Status: Certification expected by 2026, in-flight testing ongoing

Aircraft Design Parameters

Parameter	Value
MTOW	8,000 kg
OEW	3,760 kg (47% of MTOW)
Max Internal Fuel	4,240 kg (53% fuel fraction)
Combat Weight	6,320-6,368 kg (with 2 BVR missiles + 50% fuel)
Combat T/W Ratio	0.81 (excellent for 1.2M + maneuvering)
Wing Area	27.6 m²
Wing Loading	290 kg/m²
Max Speed	1.2 Mach (sustained, dry)
Service Ceiling	40,000-42,000 ft

Combat Radius	1,100-1,300 km
Endurance	1.5-2.8 hours (on internal fuel)

BVR Weapons Integration
- 2 × Astra Mk-3 (220 kg each) = 440 kg total
- OR 2 × Meteor (200 kg each) = 400 kg total
- Internal bay volume: 1.0-1.2 m³ (semi-recessed)

Strategic Advantages
- Atmanirbhar - 100% indigenous engine (KDE)
- Cost-effective - ~$25-28M flyaway cost (~50% of Tejas)
- Trainer-to-combat - Adversary training
- No afterburner - simpler, lower thermal signature, better fuel economy
- Superior combat T/W (0.81) - better turn performance than JF-17
- Internal weapons - low-RCS configuration
- Growth path - KDE with AB variant planned (78-80 kN wet)

Application
- CCA
- Adversary training

The KDE's proven dry thrust (46-50 kN) makes this design realistic and achievable within the next 4-6 years of development.

Great idea and this concept pic of CCA looks absolutely amazing yet lethal.

 

[babablacksheep]

View attachment 50871

Why not make a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed around the Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE).

Engine Specifications (KDE)
- Dry Thrust (SLS): 46 kN (conservative)
- Dry Thrust (In-Flight): 50-52 kN (what matters for fighter design)
- Engine Weight: ~1,165 kg
- Engine T/W Ratio: 7.36:1 (excellent)
- SFC: 0.85 kg/(kN·h) - very efficient
- Status: Certification expected by 2026, in-flight testing ongoing

Aircraft Design Parameters

Parameter	Value
MTOW	8,000 kg
OEW	3,760 kg (47% of MTOW)
Max Internal Fuel	4,240 kg (53% fuel fraction)
Combat Weight	6,320-6,368 kg (with 2 BVR missiles + 50% fuel)
Combat T/W Ratio	0.81 (excellent for 1.2M + maneuvering)
Wing Area	27.6 m²
Wing Loading	290 kg/m²
Max Speed	1.2 Mach (sustained, dry)
Service Ceiling	40,000-42,000 ft

Combat Radius	1,100-1,300 km
Endurance	1.5-2.8 hours (on internal fuel)

BVR Weapons Integration
- 2 × Astra Mk-3 (220 kg each) = 440 kg total
- OR 2 × Meteor (200 kg each) = 400 kg total
- Internal bay volume: 1.0-1.2 m³ (semi-recessed)

Strategic Advantages
- Atmanirbhar - 100% indigenous engine (KDE)
- Cost-effective - ~$25-28M flyaway cost (~50% of Tejas)
- Trainer-to-combat - Adversary training
- No afterburner - simpler, lower thermal signature, better fuel economy
- Superior combat T/W (0.81) - better turn performance than JF-17
- Internal weapons - low-RCS configuration
- Growth path - KDE with AB variant planned (78-80 kN wet)

Application
- CCA
- Adversary training

The KDE's proven dry thrust (46-50 kN) makes this design realistic and achievable within the next 4-6 years of development.

Instead they are going for a larger CCA with 2 HAL HTFE-25( ~50kn combined thrust), should be ~9 tons mtow.
I guess it will also be used on carriers, go preference for twin engine.



This one

https://twitter.com/x/status/2034244246539284684

https://twitter.com/x/status/2034256225005875425

 

[Ashwin]

Instead they are going for a larger CCA with 2 HAL HTFE-25( ~50kn combined thrust), should be ~9 tons mtow.
I guess it will also be used on carriers, go preference for twin engine.



This one

https://twitter.com/x/status/2034244246539284684

https://twitter.com/x/status/2034256225005875425

Thats HAL concept, not a serious one. HTFE wont be ready next 5 years.

What I'm proposing is something along the lines of RPSA, with ADA taking the lead. We can reuse a lot from a already sanctioned project.

 

[batman]

DRDO regularly used older models for representative purposes. We have seen the same with AMCA. Many DRDO/ADA presentations showed the AMCA with a spitter plate intake long after the actual model had adopted a DSI type intake.

As for concept arts, almost all of the Ghatak/RPSA artworks are made based on early concept artworks shared by LiveFist & the SwIFT models. Shouldn't take them as the latest models.

was curious about this today and wanted to see the newer renders and read more about it, thank you for posting this.

 

[babablacksheep]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2039740376299548928

 

[_Anonymous_]

Let's see now , the CCS approval for the Ghatak is expected to come in this FY. That's no guarantee for the funds being released but assuming it is , the prototype will take 3 years to be ready for Taxi & Flight Trials.

Moreover the power plant - the KDE is yet to be certified. Neither have we procured an FTB nor is the LCA Mk-1 LSP variant which was requisitioned by DRDO from IAF been allotted for testing or is there any news of the KDE being flight tested & certified on board a Russian FTB though I doubt this can be done for the process itself will be time consuming .

So news about the Ghatak already being fabricated aside ( I'd take such news with a fistful of salt given I've personally seen reports of the AMCA prototype undergoing metal cutting in 2022 - the golden year of Indian defence where a lot was predicted to happen & till date nothing has come out of it or the prediction ) , where's the power plant ?

Assuming through some miracle ADE , DRDO & IAF do manage to get it flying on board the LCA Mk-1 LSP variant , I suspect the testing & certification ought to take anywhere between 3-5 years . If this process begins in 2027 we can expect certification between 2030-32 .

Add another 4-5 years for flying & certification of the Ghatak post that as the entire system has to be validated which means testing it against various parameters including opening up of the flight envelope.

One more important point - since this is the first time we'd be testing both - the indigenous power plant : the KDE & a stealth UCAV we don't have any previous parameters to go by . So expect the testing to be that much more time consuming & laborious .

God forbid it there are glitches then time taken to rectify it will have to be factored in . Once it is certified comes our famed paperwork & negotiations for a contract.

In short don't expect the Ghatak to go in for mass production before 2040 at the very least.

 

[jmaxwell_]

Let's see now , the CCS approval for the Ghatak is expected to come in this FY. That's no guarantee for the funds being released but assuming it is , the prototype will take 3 years to be ready for Taxi & Flight Trials.

Moreover the power plant - the KDE is yet to be certified. Neither have we procured an FTB nor is the LCA Mk-1 LSP variant which was requisitioned by DRDO from IAF been allotted for testing or is there any news of the KDE being flight tested & certified on board a Russian FTB though I doubt this can be done for the process itself will be time consuming .

So news about the Ghatak already being fabricated aside ( I'd take such news with a fistful of salt given I've personally seen reports of the AMCA prototype undergoing metal cutting in 2022 - the golden year of Indian defence where a lot was predicted to happen & till date nothing has come out of it or the prediction ) , where's the power plant ?

Assuming through some miracle ADE , DRDO & IAF do manage to get it flying on board the LCA Mk-1 LSP variant , I suspect the testing & certification ought to take anywhere between 3-5 years . If this process begins in 2027 we can expect certification between 2030-32 .

Add another 4-5 years for flying & certification of the Ghatak post that as the entire system has to be validated which means testing it against various parameters including opening up of the flight envelope.

One more important point - since this is the first time we'd be testing both - the indigenous power plant : the KDE & a stealth UCAV we don't have any previous parameters to go by . So expect the testing to be that much more time consuming & laborious .

God forbid it there are glitches then time taken to rectify it will have to be factored in . Once it is certified comes our famed paperwork & negotiations for a contract.

In short don't expect the Ghatak to go in for mass production before 2040 at the very least.

Please let Atmanirbharta walas enjoy the dopamine hit a bit longer before you splaah cold water in our faces