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The Indian Navy is advancing rapidly towards integrating unmanned aerial systems into its carrier air wings, spearheaded by the ‘Abhimanyu’ drone, developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT). This drone forms the cornerstone of the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) programme, positioning India among nations deploying loyal wingman drones alongside manned fighter aircraft. Set to fly by 2026, this jet-powered stealth drone will feature AI-driven capabilities, manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), and air-to-air kill abilities, enhancing the Navy’s strike groups. Its stealth characteristics make it difficult for radar and air defence systems to detect. The Abhimanyu drone, designed as a loyal wingman for the Indian Navy’s current and future carrier-based fighters like the MiG-29K and the upcoming Rafale-M, boasts a jet-powered, low radar cross-section (RCS) profile. It features swept wings, horizontal stabilisers, a single vertical tail, and twin narrow air intakes on both sides of the rear fuselage. The continuous chine-line wrapped around the fuselage reduces radar reflections, increasing survivability in contested environments. While Abhimanyu integrates many stealth-inspired features, it is not a fully low-observable platform, balancing reduced radar signature with cost-effectiveness. Unlike expensive international counterparts, it emphasises rapid production and expendability. AI-driven systems enable autonomous operations, while air-to-air kill capability allows it to neutralise enemy aircraft. In MUM-T configuration, it will extend sensor reach and provide better situational awareness by teaming up with crewed pilots. Operational Role And Strategic Vision Under the N-CCAV programme, Abhimanyu drones will enhance sensor reach, situational awareness, and tactical flexibility for carrier strike groups and onshore operations. By managing high-risk or complex missions, they will reduce human pilots’ exposure and bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities of carrier air wings. The Navy plans to deploy a fleet of Abhimanyu drones with various capabilities developed through iterative cycles, potentially including specialised variants for surveillance, electronic warfare, strike, and swarming missions, as reported by ‘India Defence News’. This initiative will support current and future naval operations, particularly in the increasingly challenging Indo-Pacific region. Abhimanyu will serve as a force multiplier and lay the foundation for advanced indigenous drone technology. Development Status And Funding The Abhimanyu project receives partial funding from the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and internal funding from NRT. While the current funding ceiling under iDEX is approximately $2.85 million, additional investments will be required to achieve operational status and develop future variants. The Indian Navy has committed to a minimum purchase quantity upon N-CCAV reaching operational readiness, establishing a baseline for production and deployment. The first flight is targeted for 2026, indicating the project’s swift progress. Comparatively, Abhimanyu is smaller and lighter than the HAL Warrior developed for the Indian Air Force’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) programme. While Warrior focuses on high performance and payload capacity, Abhimanyu prioritises modularity, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale deployment. Internationally, it is a lower-end solution compared to China’s GJ-11 Sharp Sword or the US Navy’s expendable Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones, yet it adopts a practical approach suited to India’s priorities of affordability and rapid iteration. What Challenges Does It Face Despite the momentum, the programme faces several challenges, including achieving reliable autonomous operation in the demanding carrier aviation environment and bridging the performance gap between high-speed, high-altitude crewed fighters and Abhimanyu. Additionally, ensuring sustained funding and overcoming India’s historical defence procurement delays will be challenging. Nevertheless, the Abhimanyu project marks a pivotal step for Indian naval aviation, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to integrating unmanned systems into future combat operations. If successful, the N-CCAV programme will significantly enhance the Navy’s operational flexibility, survivability, and strike capability, laying the groundwork for further advancements in indigenous drone technology.
