Indian development of Archer UCAV proceeds
The Archer is an under-development UCAV for India based on the DRDO’s Rustom I. (DRDO)
India persists in developing UCAVs and MALE UAVs, but the going is not easy.
Flight testing is to proceed for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) short-range, armed UAV called Archer, based on the earlier Rustom-1.
The Archer has a proposed 220km range and 12h endurance, and four more prototypes are to be manufactured by private players.
This testing follows an EoI released to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and half a dozen private companies in mid-2021. Discussions are ongoing, and this will lead to a down-select. The winner will be the lead manufacturer and integrator, but only 20 will be produced in limited series production.
Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 inspires the Archer design,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![General Atomics Mojave performs live fire tests amid push for FARA replacement]()
General Atomics Mojave performs live fire tests amid push for FARA replacement
During the test the Mojave showcased its capability to act as a sensor, shooter and sustainer, potentially strengthening General Atomics’ pitch towards a FARA replacement.
-
![India could buy nearly 100 new Tejas fighters in biggest ever domestic order]()
India could buy nearly 100 new Tejas fighters in biggest ever domestic order
This procurement would form part of the Indian Air Force’s plan to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighters and replace them with the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1As by 2025.
