Flying Wedge Defence Launches Centre for Autonomous Defence Research in Bengaluru!
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has inaugurated a 25,000-square-foot Centre for Autonomous Defence Research in Bengaluru, marking a significant step in advancing India’s indigenous capabilities in autonomous and unmanned defence technologies. The new facility is designed as a dedicated research, development and prototyping hub focused on next-generation autonomous defence systems.
The centre will support rapid prototyping, system integration, internal testing and accelerated validation of advanced aerospace and defence technologies. By consolidating research and engineering functions under one roof, the facility aims to reduce development timelines from concept to demonstrator stage, enabling faster innovation cycles in combat aviation and air-defence domains.
The Bengaluru hub will contribute to several flagship programmes, including autonomous combat aircraft such as the Kaalabhairav UCAV, AI-enabled fighter jet technologies and autonomous air-defence and interceptor systems. The facility integrates expertise across aerostructures, composite materials, propulsion systems, AI-driven autonomy software and advanced rapid prototyping processes, creating a comprehensive environment for defence technology development.
Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda stated that the centre is intended to strengthen India’s position in high-end autonomous defence technologies. He emphasized the importance of building indigenous expertise in combat aviation autonomy and networked air-defence systems, aligning with India’s broader goals of self-reliance and defence exports. The facility is also expected to foster collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces, strategic partners and international stakeholders.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace focuses on AI-driven warfare systems and autonomous combat aircraft. The company became the first Indian firm to obtain DGCA type certification for an indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle. It later introduced the FWD-200B unmanned bomber aircraft, which completed its maiden flight on 3 September 2024.
In August 2025, the company announced the readiness of the Kaala Bhairava E2A2 programme, described as India’s first AI-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance autonomous combat aircraft. Developed domestically, the platform is designed for extended endurance and long-range missions, supporting precision strike, swarm coordination and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations while ensuring data sovereignty.
With the launch of the Centre for Autonomous Defence Research, Flying Wedge Defence strengthens India’s domestic aerospace innovation ecosystem and contributes to the development of advanced, homegrown autonomous defence capabilities.
