Launch · Government, Defense & Space

Flying Wedge opens autonomous defence research centre

By Startup Enthusiast · 12 February 2026

What they do

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace develops autonomous and unmanned defence systems

It opened a 25,000 sq ft Centre for Autonomous Defence Research in Bengaluru for rapid prototyping

The centre aims to shorten design-to-demonstrator timelines and boost India's self-reliance in defence tech

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) opened a 25,000 sq ft Centre for Autonomous Defence Research in Bengaluru.
The centre is a research and rapid prototyping hub for autonomous and unmanned defence systems, not a manufacturing unit.
It focuses on research, design, system integration, internal testing, and accelerated technology validation.
The centre will anchor programmes like the Kaalabhairav Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and AI-enabled fighter-jet technologies.
It integrates expertise in advanced aerostructures, composites, propulsion integration, autonomy and AI software, and rapid prototyping.
The facility is expected to shorten design-to-demonstrator timelines.
FWDA aims to help India shift from a defence manufacturing ecosystem to a source nation for high-end autonomous defence technologies.

The centre could serve as a collaborative platform for Indian Armed Forces, strategic partners, and global defence ecosystems.
FWDA became the first Indian company to secure DGCA type certification for an indigenous UAV.
It unveiled India's first unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD-200B, in September 2024.
In August 2025, it announced the Kaala Bhairava E2A2 programme, India's first AI-powered MALE Autonomous Combat Aircraft.

FWDA develops autonomous and unmanned defence systems from Bengaluru.
Its mission is 'Saving Jawans' by reducing dependence on expensive air-defence imports.
The company focuses on autonomous combat aviation and networked air-defence systems.
The Kaala Bhairava E2A2 platform offers up to 30 hours endurance and 3,000 km range.
It is engineered for AI-driven precision strikes, swarm operations, and real-time ISR missions.
The platform is built with zero foreign dependency, ensuring complete data sovereignty.
FWDA positions Kaala Bhairava as a cost-effective alternative to Predator-class UAVs.
It also developed patented AI-ML embedded drones for agriculture and civilian applications.

FWDA aims to help position India as a global hub for next-generation autonomous defence technologies.
The centre could serve as a collaborative platform for Indian Armed Forces, strategic partners, and global defence ecosystems.
The company focuses on building deep indigenous capabilities in autonomous combat aviation and networked air-defence systems.