India’s advanced defense capabilities have been recognized on the global stage with the indigenous Kaal Bhairav drone capturing a silver medal at the 23rd International Exhibition of Innovations 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia. This victory highlights the growing strength of Indian-made defense technology, now a competitive force alongside global leaders. The Kaal Bhairav E2A2 stands as a pioneering achievement – India’s first autonomous combat aircraft powered by AI, operating in the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) category. Developed fully by the Indian firm Flying Wedge Defense and Aerospace, this drone signifies a major advancement in the nation’s technological arsenal. Its specifications are impressive: it can operate for 30 hours continuously and cover a range of 3,000 km. The drone’s AI-powered systems autonomously handle complex tasks such as mission planning, targeting, and executing coordinated swarm attacks, providing India with unparalleled operational autonomy. The design prioritizes adaptability and ruggedness for future warfare. Equipped with advanced multi-sensor technology, it can execute precise strikes from various angles and withstand electronic warfare tactics like signal jamming, ensuring mission success. Its modular configuration makes it suitable for diverse roles, including electronic warfare, wide-area maritime surveillance, and battlefield intelligence gathering. Importantly, the Kaal Bhairav provides India with a domestically produced, more economical alternative to expensive imported drones, marking a confident entry into the global defense export market. This recognition underscores India’s drive for self-sufficiency and technological innovation in defense.
