New Delhi, India, December 2, 2025 (Agencies) — India is set to develop long-range attack drones powered by domestically produced engines, marking a significant step in reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, according to a report by the Economic Times.
The state-owned National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has signed an agreement with Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) to use Indian-developed Wankel engines in new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The partnership will see NAL transfer technology and lead drone development, while SDAL will handle manufacturing and marketing both domestically and internationally.
India has until now depended on foreign companies for engines to power most of its UAVs. Under the new program, NAL’s 30-horsepower Wankel engine, already certified for flight testing, will be used to power drones capable of flying for up to nine hours and striking targets more than 560 miles away.
Sources cited by the outlet said a 50 hp engine is nearing certification and trials, while a 90 hp engine is being designed to support heavier UAV classes.
The drones are expected to feature AI-enabled payloads for real-time intelligence and situational awareness, and will be able to operate in environments where GPS technology is unavailable.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” program, which emphasizes domestic manufacturing in the defense sector. On Sunday, Modi praised a national drone innovation challenge facilitated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and highlighted the recent inauguration of Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad as a boost to India’s private space ecosystem.
Analysts say the project could significantly enhance India’s indigenous defense capabilities while opening new opportunities for export in the global UAV market.