(MENAFN) India is moving forward with plans to develop long-range attack drones powered by locally-produced engines through a public-private partnership, reports indicate.

The state-owned National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has partnered with a private company to integrate Indian-developed Wankel engines into new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Until now, India has relied heavily on foreign suppliers for engines across most of its drone systems.

Initially, NAL will transfer technology for its 30-horsepower (hp) Wankel engine, designed to power drones capable of flying up to nine hours and striking targets more than 560 miles away.

The 30 hp engine has already obtained essential certification for flight testing. Plans are also underway for 50 hp and 90 hp engines, with certifications and trials expected soon, allowing UAVs of larger sizes to be deployed.

Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) is the private partner for the initiative. Under the agreement, NAL will handle technology transfer and drone development, while SDAL will manage manufacturing and marketing both domestically and internationally.

The new drones will be capable of operating in environments where GPS signals are unavailable, and their AI-enabled payloads are expected to provide real-time intelligence and enhanced situational awareness.

The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing in key sectors, particularly defense. Recently, Modi praised a drone challenge designed to encourage young innovators, highlighting the growing role of India’s private space sector and noting the inauguration of Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad as a significant milestone.

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