India has taken a major step toward operational stealth drone warfare after the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 80 Stealth Ghatak UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles).
The program, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under the DRDO, is designed to give India the capability to launch stealth first-wave attacks against heavily defended airspace, targeting radar sites, surface-to-air missile batteries, and command infrastructure before manned fighters enter the battlespace.
With an ultra-low radar cross section estimated at around 0.0001 m², the Ghatak UCAV is expected to be one of the stealthiest combat drones currently under development globally.
Ghatak UCAV: Key Program Milestones (March 2026)
- Procurement: 80 aircraft (4 squadrons) cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 27 March 2026
- Stealth Category: Ultra-Low Radar Cross Section (RCS) comparable to a small bird
- Primary Engine: GTRE Dry Kaveri Engine (KDE) – certification target late 2026
- Operational Role: First-wave SEAD/DEAD strikes and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations
What Makes the Ghatak UCAV Invisible to X-Band Radars?
The primary contributor to Ghatak’s stealth characteristics is its tailless flying-wing design, similar in aerodynamic philosophy to advanced stealth aircraft like the B-2 and B-21.
In stealth aircraft, geometry accounts for most radar signature reduction.
Ghatak’s design integrates several features to minimize radar reflections:
- Planform alignment, where edges of wings and control surfaces are aligned to deflect radar energy away from the emitter.
- Smooth blended surfaces without vertical tails that normally reflect radar signals.
- Extensive use of carbon-fiber composite structures that absorb rather than reflect electromagnetic energy.
The result is a frontal radar cross section estimated at about 0.0001 square metres, roughly comparable to the radar return of a small bird.
This level of stealth is specifically optimized to defeat X-band fire-control radars, which are typically used by modern surface-to-air missile systems such as the Chinese HQ-9B.
To further enhance survivability, the drone is expected to use a Frequency-Selective Surface (FSS) radome.
This technology allows the UCAV’s onboard sensors and radar systems to transmit signals outward while blocking incoming radar waves, preventing enemy systems from detecting the aircraft’s internal electronics.
How the Serpentine Exhaust Reduces Infrared Signature
Stealth is not limited to radar detection.
Modern air defence systems also rely heavily on infrared (IR) sensors to track aircraft.
To counter this threat, Ghatak incorporates S-duct air intakes and a serpentine exhaust system that hide the engine’s hot turbine face from external view.
This design serves two important functions:
- Masks the engine compressor from radar reflections
- Reduces infrared signature by mixing hot exhaust with cooler ambient air
The UCAV will be powered by the Dry Kaveri Engine (KDE) developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment.
The engine is currently undergoing final flight-bed testing on an IL-76 platform in Russia, with certification targeted by the end of 2026.
Unlike the original afterburning Kaveri concept, the dry version focuses on fuel efficiency, reliability, and lower thermal signatures, making it suitable for stealth drones.
Ghatak vs HQ-9B: The First-Wave Strike Strategy
The Ghatak UCAV is primarily designed for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) and DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defences) missions.
In a conflict scenario, stealth UCAVs would be deployed before manned fighter aircraft, penetrating contested airspace to neutralize radar systems and missile batteries.
The drone features an internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to 1.5 tonnes of precision-guided munitions, ensuring that weapons are carried internally to maintain stealth.
Typical payloads may include:
- Anti-radiation missiles for radar suppression
- Precision glide bombs
- Stand-off strike weapons for hardened targets
By eliminating or degrading enemy radar coverage, Ghatak can create temporary gaps in integrated air defence networks, allowing follow-on fighter aircraft such as Tejas Mk2, Rafale, or Su-30MKI to operate with reduced risk.
Stealth Budget: How Ghatak Achieves Ultra-Low RCS
| Stealth Component | Contribution % | Technology Used |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry / Shaping | ~70% | Tailless Flying Wing, Planform Alignment |
| Materials / Coatings | ~30% | Carbon-Fiber Composites, Radar Absorbent Skin |
| Engine Masking | Critical | S-Duct Intake, Serpentine Exhaust |
The Future: Manned-Unmanned Teaming with Tejas Mk2
Beyond autonomous strike missions, Ghatak is also expected to operate as part of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) networks.
In this concept, a manned fighter such as the Tejas Mk2 could act as a “mother ship,” controlling multiple UCAVs from a safe distance.
The pilot would be able to:
- Assign reconnaissance tasks
- Direct UCAV strikes on air defence systems
- Use drones as forward sensor nodes inside contested airspace
This approach allows the Indian Air Force to extend situational awareness and strike reach without exposing pilots to the most dangerous zones of enemy air defence networks.
With DAC approval now secured for four operational squadrons, the Ghatak program represents a significant step toward India’s goal of building indigenous stealth combat capabilities and transforming the first phase of future air campaigns through autonomous SEAD operations and manned-unmanned combat teaming.
[**Note: All Data has been taken from publicly available sources, no official source or data has been cited here, all data especially the RCS of the UCAV is available on public domain as an estimation, not the exact figure**]
