DRDO successfully carries out maiden flight of unmanned combat aircraft

BENGALURU: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully tested an unmanned combat aircraft that will be crucial in the field of warfare. The autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator was tested at the Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka's Chitradurga on Friday.

"Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown. This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft and is a significant step towards self-reliance in such strategic defence technologies,” said the DRDO statement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated DRDO for its successful testing of the unmanned combat flight. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Congratulations to @DRDO India on successful maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator from Chitradurga ATR. It is a major achievement towards autonomous aircrafts which will pave the way for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in terms of critical military systems." Meantime, DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy also appreciated the efforts of the teams involved in the design, development and testing of the system for the success.