India approves Rs 39,000 crore Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft programme

Key facts

• The Defence Ministry approved the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme, formerly called Ghatak, valued at Rs 39,000 crore.
• DRDO will adopt a development-cum-production partner model and invite industry bids to build six prototypes at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
• Following prototype development, over 60 unmanned stealth fighters will be ordered, sufficient to form four squadrons.
• The aircraft are targeted for induction in eight years and will have more than 80% indigenous content.
• The stealth drones will be capable of deploying locally developed weapons including future versions of Astra long-range air-to-air missiles and next-generation air-to-ground systems.
• The programme is being developed alongside the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft under Vision 2047 to enable manned-unmanned teaming.
• Formal tenders to select industry partners for the RPSA project are expected shortly.