The FWD Kaal Bhairav is India’s first indigenous AI-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) combat drone, developed by Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA). Unveiled on August 22, 2025, it marks a significant step toward India’s defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Named after the Hindu deity associated with time, the drone is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions, offering a cost-effective alternative to foreign systems like the U.S. Predator MQ-9 Reaper.
Specifications
Endurance : Up to 30 hours for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions, 11 hours for airstrike missions.
Range : 3,000 km with satellite communication (SATCOM), 150 km line-of-sight (LOS).
Ceiling : 20,000 feet above sea level.
Payload : 91 kg (electro-optical/infrared sensors, laser-guided rockets, missiles, fuel).
Configuration : Twin-boom design with a 6.5-meter wingspan.
Speed : Cruise speed 151–187 km/h , and maximum speed 288 km/h.
Autonomy : AI-powered adaptive targeting, autonomous flight pathing, and live combat decision-making.
Capabilities : Supports swarm warfare, multi-angle precision strikes, and ISR redundancy.
Take-off/Landing : Short take-off and landing (STOL) capable on prepared runways.
Price : Approximately $11.5 million per unit
AI Technology Details
1. Autonomous Flight Pathing :
The drone leverages AI for adaptive flight path planning, enabling it to navigate complex environments autonomously. This includes real-time route optimization to avoid obstacles, no-fly zones, or enemy defenses.
AI algorithms process sensor data to adjust flight paths dynamically, ensuring mission efficiency and safety even in contested or GPS-denied environments.
2. Adaptive Targeting System :
The Kaal Bhairav features an AI-powered adaptive targeting system that enhances precision during strike missions. It processes real-time data from onboard sensors (electro-optical/infrared, radar) to identify, track, and engage targets with minimal human intervention.
The system can prioritize targets based on mission parameters, such as threat level or strategic importance, and execute multi-angle precision strikes using laser-guided rockets or missiles.
3. Live Combat Decision-Making :
The drone’s AI enables real-time combat decision-making, allowing it to respond to dynamic battlefield conditions. This includes assessing threats, selecting optimal engagement strategies, and coordinating with other drones or systems.
The AI can differentiate between friendly and hostile entities, reducing the risk of collateral damage and improving mission success rates.
4. Swarm Warfare Capabilities :
The drone supports AI-driven swarm warfare, where multiple Kaal Bhairav units operate in a coordinated manner. The AI facilitates inter-drone communication and task allocation, enabling the swarm to overwhelm enemy defenses through synchronized attacks or distributed ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) operations.
Swarm algorithms ensure redundancy, meaning the loss of one drone does not compromise the mission, as others can adapt and take over tasks.
5. Sensor Data Fusion and Processing :
The AI integrates data from multiple onboard sensors (electro-optical, infrared, and potentially radar or SIGINT systems) to create a comprehensive situational awareness picture.
Machine learning models process this data to detect patterns, identify anomalies, and provide actionable intelligence for ISR missions, such as border surveillance or maritime monitoring.
6. Autonomy and Redundancy :
The drone’s AI supports high levels of autonomy, reducing the need for constant human oversight. This is critical for long-endurance missions (up to 30 hours for ISR, 11 hours for strikes).
Redundancy algorithms ensure the drone can continue operations even if certain systems fail, enhancing reliability in high-stakes scenarios.
Development and Certification
The Kaal Bhairav, officially named E2A2 (Economic and Efficient Autonomous Aircraft), is entirely designed and manufactured in India.
FWDA became the first Indian firm to secure DGCA type certification for an indigenous UAV. The company also unveiled India’s first unmanned bomber, the FWD-200B, with its maiden flight on September 3, 2024.
Strategic & Economic Impact
Strategic Autonomy : 80–100% indigenous design eliminates reliance on foreign UAVs (e.g., MQ-9 Reaper), avoiding risks like kill-switches or data leaks.
Sanctions-proof supply chain ensures operational control in conflicts.
Swarm Warfare & Flexibility : AI-driven swarm coordination enables synchronized strikes, enhancing tactical superiority against adversaries like Pakistan or China.
Supports ISR and precision strikes across diverse terrains (e.g., Himalayas), with a 3,000 km range and 20,000-foot ceiling.
Global Influence : $25 million export order from a South Asian nation signals India’s growing defense export credibility.
FWDA’s Mission 777 aims to expand India’s global UAV market presence.
Cost Efficiency : At $11.5 million, it’s one-tenth the cost of a $115 million Predator, allowing larger fleets for resilience and scalability.
In-house MRO reduces lifecycle costs and foreign dependency.
Export & Industry Growth : $30 million export deal boosts foreign exchange and positions India against Western/Chinese UAVs.
Aligns with Drone Rules 2021 and PLI schemes, fostering R&D, jobs, and a projected 14.3% CAGR in the drone sector.
Conclusion
The Kaal Bhairav enhances India’s defense with affordable, autonomous UAVs, countering regional threats and reducing import reliance. Economically, it drives exports, innovation, and industrial growth, positioning India as a global drone hub by 2030.