Bengaluru-based firm Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) recently announced successful launch of country’s first indigenously built Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), FWD 200B.

• The development represents India's increasing self-reliance in defence technology and defence indigenization.

Key Features of FWD 200B

• It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UCAV.
• It has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 102 kg and can carry a payload of 30 kg. 
• Combat Capabilities: Optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing.
• It operates at a cruise altitude of 12,000 feet and can reach up to 15,000 feet. 
• It has a cruise speed of 152 kmph and a maximum speed of 250 kmph.
• It has an endurance of 7 hours and a range of 800 km to ensure extended mission capabilities.
• Ideal for short airstrips: The drone requires a runway of just 300 metres.

Initiatives for Defence Indigenization

• Policy and Schemes: Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, ‘Make in India’, notification of ‘Positive Indigenization List’, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), etc.
• Partnership and Global Cooperation: Strategic Partnership Model between India’s private sector and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), enhanced FDI limits (74% - Automatic Route; 100% - Government Route), etc.
• Others: Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board, Defence Industrial Corridors, SRIJAN Portal, etc.