The Abhimanyu drone, created by Bangalore-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT), is at the forefront of the Indian Navy’s major efforts to incorporate unmanned aerial systems into its carrier air wings.
India is joining the global trend of using “loyal wingman” drones in conjunction with crewed fighter aircraft by developing the Abhimanyu as the foundation for the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) program.
Specifically built to serve as a devoted wingman for the Indian Navy’s present and upcoming carrier-based fighters, particularly the MiG-29K and the soon-to-be Rafale-Ms, Abhimanyu is a jet-powered, low radar cross-section (RCS) drone. Twin narrow air intakes on either side of the rear fuselage, swept wings, a single vertical tail, and horizontal stabilisers are all features of the drone’s design. In order to improve survivability in contested environments and lessen radar reflections, the fuselage is encircled by a characteristic continuous chine-line.
The Abhimanyu is not a completely low-observable platform, despite having a number of stealth-inspired features. Its design prioritizes quick production and expendability over the sophisticated stealth of more costly international counterparts, striking a balance between cost-effectiveness and a lower radar signature.
Details presented at Aero India 2025 indicate that the Abhimanyu aims to:
Maximum velocity: about 300 knots (550 km/h)
Range of Operation: 1,000 kilometers
Service Roof: 6,000 meters (19,700 feet)
Endurance: According to some sources, up to 20 hours
ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), kinetic attack (air-to-air and air-to-ground), electronic warfare, and swarm operations are examples of multirole capabilities.
According to these specifications, Abhimanyu performs somewhat poorly when compared to other devoted wingman drones around the world, but its cost-effectiveness and modular design enable mass deployment and quick adaptation to changing mission needs.
Abhimanyu drones will fly alongside Indian Navy fighters in manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) configurations as part of the N-CCAV program. By expanding the sensor range of carrier strike groups, improving situational awareness, and offering tactical flexibility for both carrier-based and onshore operations, these drones will serve as force multipliers. Abhimanyu will increase the offensive and defensive capabilities of carrier air wings and decrease the exposure for human pilots by taking on complex or high-risk missions.
Through iterative development cycles, the Indian Navy intends to deploy a fleet of Abhimanyu drones with a range of capabilities. Specialized versions for surveillance, electronic warfare, strike, and swarming missions may emerge as a result of this strategy, assisting present and upcoming naval operations.
The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme of the Indian Ministry of Defence provides a portion of the funding for the Abhimanyu project, while NRT provides additional internal funding. Approximately $2.85 million is the current funding cap through iDEX, but much more money will be needed to get the drone up and running and create future versions. In order to guarantee a baseline for production and deployment, the Indian Navy has committed to a minimum purchase quantity once the N-CCAV is operationally ready.
Compared to the HAL Warrior, a twin-engine loyal wingman drone being developed for the Indian Air Force’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program, Abhimanyu is noticeably lighter and smaller. Warrior places more emphasis on increased payload capacity and performance, but Abhimanyu’s advantages are its cost-effectiveness, modularity, and potential for widespread deployment. Abhimanyu is positioned as a less expensive option globally in contrast to cutting-edge platforms such as the U.S. Navy’s concept for disposable Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones or China’s GJ-11 Sharp Sword.
Notwithstanding the momentum, the program still faces a number of obstacles:
achieving autonomous operation that is dependable in the challenging carrier aviation environment.
reducing the performance difference between Abhimanyu and fighters with crews that can fly fast and high.
obtaining consistent funding and resolving India’s long-standing delays in defense procurement.
However, the Abhimanyu project represents a significant advancement for Indian naval aviation and demonstrates the Navy’s resolve to incorporate unmanned systems into combat operations in the future. The Indian Navy’s operational flexibility, survivability, and strike capability could be greatly improved if the N-CCAV program is successful. It could also lay the groundwork for future developments in domestic drone technology.
With a focus on modularity, affordability, and quick iteration, the Abhimanyu drone is a practical and creative way to increase India’s carrier-based air power. It also fits in with current trends in unmanned systems and naval warfare.
