India’s naval aviation is entering a transformative phase as the Indian Navy accelerates efforts to integrate unmanned aerial systems into its carrier air wings. Leading this initiative is the ‘Abhimanyu’ drone, developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT). The project forms the foundation of the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) program — an ambitious step that aims to position India among global powers deploying “loyal wingman” drones alongside manned fighter aircraft.
AI-Driven Stealth Drone for the Future Fleet
Expected to take flight by 2026, Abhimanyu is a jet-powered, stealth-inspired drone featuring AI-driven systems, manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), and air-to-air combat capabilities. Designed for carrier operations, it will enhance the Navy’s strike groups with greater reach, precision, and survivability.
Thanks to its low radar cross-section (RCS) and stealth shaping, the drone will be difficult to detect by enemy radar or air defense systems — a crucial advantage in modern warfare.
Design and Capabilities
The Abhimanyu features swept wings, horizontal stabilizers, a single vertical tail, and twin narrow air intakes along its rear fuselage. Its continuous chine line reduces radar reflections, improving survivability in contested zones. While not a fully stealth platform, its design strikes a balance between low observability and cost-effectiveness, focusing on rapid production and scalability.
Equipped with AI-enabled autonomy, the drone can conduct missions independently or in coordination with manned fighters like the MiG-29K and the upcoming Rafale-M. In MUM-T operations, it will expand the carrier strike group’s sensor reach and situational awareness, reducing the exposure of human pilots in high-risk missions.
Operational Goals and Strategic Value
Under the N-CCAV program, Abhimanyu drones will operate as extensions of naval fighter squadrons, performing surveillance, electronic warfare, strike, and swarming missions. Multiple specialized variants are planned through iterative development cycles, ensuring adaptability across various mission profiles.
According to defense reports, these drones will significantly strengthen India’s operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, where maritime challenges continue to grow.
Funding and Development
The Abhimanyu project is partially funded under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative of the Ministry of Defence, with additional internal investment from NRT. The iDEX funding ceiling currently stands at around $2.85 million, but further investment will be needed for full operational deployment and future variants.
The Indian Navy has committed to a minimum purchase quantity once the N-CCAV reaches operational readiness, ensuring a production baseline and deployment pathway.
Comparative Edge and Challenges
Compared to the HAL Warrior, which supports the Indian Air Force’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program, Abhimanyu is smaller, lighter, and more modular. It prioritizes affordability and rapid deployment over heavy payload capacity. Internationally, it represents a cost-effective alternative to platforms like China’s GJ-11 Sharp Sword or the U.S. Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.
Despite its momentum, the program faces challenges — including achieving reliable autonomous performance in demanding carrier environments, ensuring sustained funding, and overcoming traditional delays in India’s defense procurement process.
A Defining Step for India’s Naval Aviation
If successful, the Abhimanyu project will mark a pivotal shift in India’s defense strategy — integrating unmanned systems into carrier aviation and establishing a foundation for future drone-based warfare. The N-CCAV initiative highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology and its commitment to AI-powered aerial combat innovations.