Bengaluru: Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies, an esteemed Indian defence aerospace firm, celebrated a significant achievement by introducing the FWD-200B. This groundbreaking unveiling in Bengaluru marked the debut of India’s premier indigenous bomber unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The FWD-200B stands as a testament to indigenous innovation, being a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle conceived and crafted entirely within India. Boasting a payload capacity of 100 kg, it possesses the versatility to accommodate optical surveillance payloads alongside precision air strike weapons, as affirmed by the company.
During the unveiling ceremony in Bengaluru, Suhas Tejaskanda, the founder of Flying Wedge Defence, addressed the Media said, emphasizing the significance of the FWD-200B in realizing India’s longstanding aspiration for indigenous combat UAV production. Tejaskanda highlighted the years of unsuccessful attempts by agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and stressed the importance of this achievement.
The firm elucidated that a pivotal aspect of the FWD-200B is the substantial cost reduction it offers. While an imported US Predator drone commands a staggering price of Rs 250 crore, the Indian-manufactured FWD-200B will be available for just Rs 25 crore—a mere tenth of the cost, they added.
Founder Tejaskanda emphasized that this milestone underscores the company’s dedication to self-reliance and elevates India’s status as a pioneer in cost-effective defense solutions.
“With an endurance of 12-20 hours, a maximum speed of 200 kts/370 kmph, and a ground control station range of 200km, the FWD-200B is envisioned as the ‘Nation’s eagle eye’—serving as a crucial aerial shield against threats,” the firm elaborated.
Furthermore, it highlighted that this unveiling represents a significant boost to India’s Make in India initiative, reducing reliance on expensive imports for strategic defense equipment like UAVs.
