IAF Push for Advanced AI-Powered "Loyal Wingman" Drone Development

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to bolster its combat capabilities with a bold new initiative: the integration of a substantial fleet of advanced "Loyal Wingman" drones.

The program envisions the procurement of 200-250 of these unmanned, semi-autonomous aircraft, designed to operate in close coordination with the IAF's existing fleet of manned fighter aircraft.

India's aerospace leader, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is at the forefront of this ambitious project. HAL plans to develop two distinct classes of uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) for this role, taking advantage of a collaboration with a private sector company to accelerate the process.

Beyond Companionship​

The Loyal Wingman drones will not be simply support aircraft but rather highly versatile systems extending the mission capabilities of the IAF. Equipped for both offensive and defensive roles, these drones promise to transform air combat scenarios.

Crucially, the UCAVs won't be limited to strictly combat functions. They will possess intelligence-gathering capabilities, the potential to deploy electronic warfare systems such as advanced jamming equipment, and act as communication relays to expand the operational reach of manned aircraft.

Furthermore, the drones will carry additional weapons, engaging targets either autonomously or under the direct control of a manned fighter jet's pilot.

Rapid Development Timeline​

Recognizing the game-changing potential of this technology, the IAF is enthusiastically supporting the Loyal Wingman program. Operational deployment of the UCAVs is expected within the 2028-2030 timeframe.

In the meantime, development continues apace. HAL is already testing a scaled-down prototype with the goal of having a full-scale version within two years for advanced testing and refinements.

Notably, HAL is pushing forward with previous concept designs while incorporating significant upgrades. Engine development and other critical systems are receiving priority, with HAL investing its internal funds and the IAF likely to provide extra resources to ensure the program's swift progress.

Revolutionizing Indian Air Power​

The Indian Air Force's Loyal Wingman initiative marks a major development in the evolution of the country's air combat capabilities.

By integrating these semi-autonomous, advanced UCAVs, the IAF will significantly expand its reach and tactical options, ensuring a powerful advantage for India throughout the region in the coming years.

 

[nakul1307]

Hope the private players get their act together for this one

 

[Hari Sud]

Take it away from HAL if you want this program to be successful.

 

[Ashutosh]

Take it away from HAL if you want this program to be successful.

Hey wait what!? Aren't u the same person who was criticizing HAL opposers yesterday.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Take it away from HAL if you want this program to be successful.

It's a joint project. New space will manufacture these drones

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Hope the private players get their act together for this one

New space research... Will make it

 

[NSR]

It is very heartening to see IAF take charge of its programs and push them forward like Indian Navy does.
Way to go in this effort.

But IAF must take Tejas IA, Tejas Mk2 and AMCA Mk I to its heart and soul as these are very important to address dwindling squadron strength.
Tejas IA manufacturing must be accelerated at WARP SPEED and developments of other fighters and BVRAAM missiles like Astra2 and 3 should be given highest priority.

A lot of credit for Tejas IA goes to all time great Raksha Mantri Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, a metallurgist by profession, efforts to shove Tejas program down the throats of IAF.
Pretty soon we will be talking about Tejas Mk 2 which will be the bread and butter and meat and potatoes type of fighter India needs for decades to come.

Great day indeed.

 

[Akshat]

Hope the private players get their act together for this one

They always do. Hope HAL doesn’t throw a spammer in the works.

 

[Vijay Anand]

This can be an answer to a dwindling fleet and a two front scenario while being cheaper for combat requirement. Once this is done we can focus on better capable drone.

Though manned fighters are still dominant over drones for now, soon AI will take over and be better skilled and safer than a manned fighter avoiding risk on human life.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It's a joint project. New space will manufacture these drones

Newspace is manufacturing the HAPS, it is not manufacturing UCAVs as far as I know.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Take it away from HAL if you want this program to be successful.

HAL is still the only organisation in the country that can mass manufacture these things. And DRDO got a big L recently with tapas. Who else is left? Except DRDO and HAL, no one else has aircraft building and designing experience. Private players and startups have built small aircrafts with turboprops at most. These loyal wingmen will be powered by jet engines.

 

[CCPSmasher]

Another day another mock up. Oh welllllllllllllllll

 

[Sandeep]

It's essential that we develop this armed drone because it will provide a much cheaper and easy drone to launch any bombs, missiles or to conduct surveillance and intelligence. With the drone there is so much that it can do and it will increase our fire power which we desperately need because of the low squadron strength.

It's unclear how the pilot will control his jet and drone at the same time and they will need to be trained very well to operate both systems. Along with this they will need to fight as a cohesive squadron among different jets and capabilities so they will need to make drastic changes to their training tactics and methods.

 

[Akshat]

HAL is still the only organisation in the country that can mass manufacture these things. And DRDO got a big L recently with tapas. Who else is left? Except DRDO and HAL, no one else has aircraft building and designing experience. Private players and startups have built small aircrafts with turboprops at most. These loyal wingmen will be powered by jet engines.

How can you say that without releasing an open tender? Anyone but HAL can do it on time. With HAL failure is guaranteed. With anyone else, at least there is some probability of success. Else keep waiting like we have been waiting for Tejas mk2 for 2 decades and keep listening to lies,

 

[Akshat]

Newspace is manufacturing the HAPS, it is not manufacturing UCAVs as far as I know.

Entire CATS program is a collab between HAL and NSR. Who will make what is unclear. Though my best guess is that NSR will make all the drones while HAL will modify Tejas.

 

[Itachi]

Fast develop male and hale ucav for indian armed forces .. they need ucav's for counter insurgency in Kashmir and northeast. Babus doing there babugiri pepar projects everywhere ..

 

[Pad UwU]

Looks okay but I prefer Boeing's Ghost Bat design than this tho 😺

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

How can you say that without releasing an open tender? Anyone but HAL can do it on time. With HAL failure is guaranteed. With anyone else, at least there is some probability of success. Else keep waiting like we have been waiting for Tejas mk2 for 2 decades and keep listening to lies,

well, you should go do it.

 

[Akshat]

well, you should go do it.

Mod will and they have already done it. NSR is making drones. MRFA is open to private companies and they are making a beeline for it.

 

[Hari Sud]

HAL is still the only organisation in the country that can mass manufacture these things. And DRDO got a big L recently with tapas. Who else is left? Except DRDO and HAL, no one else has aircraft building and designing experience. Private players and startups have built small aircrafts with turboprops at most. These loyal wingmen will be powered by jet engines.

HAL is the spoiled baby of the government which lacks responsibility, accountability and discipline and says it all.