Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has recently announced the successful maiden flight of FWD 200B, India’s first indigenous unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
About FWD 200B:
- A Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UCAV equipped with optical payloads and have missile-like capabilities for air strikes and bombing.
- Components: Aerodynamics design, airframe, propulsion, control systems, and electronics manufactured domestically
- Maximum Speed: 250 km/h
- Achievements: Marks the fulfillment of India’s objective to produce a combat UAV domestically
Significance of the Development:
- Self-Reliance: Reduces dependency on foreign military technology
- Cost-Efficiency: Addresses issues related to high costs of imported military technology
- Strategic Advantage: Comes amidst Turkey’s denial of Bayraktar UAV and delays in US Predator deals
Initiatives for Defence Indigenization:
- Policies and Schemes:
- Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy
- ‘Make in India’
- Positive Indigenization List
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
- Partnerships and Cooperation:
- Strategic Partnership Model with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Enhanced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limits
- Others:
- Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board
- Defence Industrial Corridors
- SRIJAN Portal
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the significance of the maiden flight of FWD 200B?
The successful maiden flight of FWD 200B marks India’s achievement in producing its first indigenous combat UAV, reducing dependency on foreign military technology and providing cost-efficient solutions for defense needs.
What are the key components of FWD 200B?
FWD 200B is equipped with an aerodynamic design, airframe, propulsion, control systems, and electronics that are manufactured domestically, showcasing India’s capabilities in the defense sector.
What are the achievements of FWD 200B?
FWD 200B is India’s first Medium Altitude Long Endurance UCAV with optical payloads and missile-like capabilities for air strikes, fulfilling the country’s objective to produce a combat UAV domestically.
What is the maximum speed of FWD 200B?
FWD 200B has a maximum speed of 250 km/h, making it an efficient Medium Altitude Long Endurance UCAV for various defense operations and missions.
Why is the development of FWD 200B significant for India?
The development of FWD 200B signifies India’s efforts towards self-reliance in defense technology, reducing dependency on foreign imports, and providing a strategic advantage in the current global defense landscape.