Synopsis
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace will manufacture its autonomous combat aircraft, Kaal Bhairava, in Portugal. This marks the first overseas production for an Indian-designed autonomous combat aircraft. The partnership with SKETCHPIXEL LDA will integrate advanced simulation and AI technologies. This initiative is part of Operation 777, aiming for global partnerships in autonomous warfare systems.
A Bengaluru based AI warfare company will manufacture its autonomous combat aircraft in Europe for the first time, with production set to begin in Portugal, a NATO member state.
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) on Thursday announced its first international manufacturing node in Portugal for its flagship autonomous combat aircraft, Kaal Bhairava. The company said the platform, described as India’s first AI combat aircraft, will be produced in partnership with European technology company SKETCHPIXEL LDA, known for developing advanced fighter jet simulation systems for aircraft such as the F-16.
The partnership marks the first overseas production node for an Indian-designed autonomous combat aircraft and signals a broader shift in India’s defence technology sector.
Partnership structure and technology integration
Under the agreement, SKETCHPIXEL will provide simulation technologies, AI integration, communication systems, and interoperability capabilities for the platform. FWDA will retain intellectual property rights for the aircraft’s core autonomous systems and airframe design.
The Portugal facility will serve as the first international hub under Operation 777, a long-term initiative envisioned by FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda. The programme, first unveiled during the launch of the Kaal Bhairava platform in 2025, aims to establish manufacturing, integration, and deployment partnerships for Indian-origin autonomous warfare systems across seven continents and seventy-seven countries.
Speaking on the collaboration, Tejaskanda said the partnership reflected increasing international interest in Indian-designed autonomous systems and highlighted the potential for Indian warfare technologies to become part of global manufacturing ecosystems.
He said Portugal’s strategic location and access to the NATO ecosystem would strengthen the company’s entry into European defence networks, collaborative opportunities, and global deployment pathways.
Features of Kaal Bhairava
Kaal Bhairava is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft developed, designed, and manufactured in India for long-endurance missions, precision airstrikes, and ISR operations.
The platform has a maximum takeoff weight of 150 kg, a cruise speed of 50 m/s, and a top speed of 100 m/s. It offers a range of 3,000 km and endurance of more than 30 hours, with a payload capacity of 30 kg. The aircraft features a twin-boom tail pusher configuration.
FWDA said the platform includes AI-driven target recognition, swarm coordination capabilities, and encrypted communication systems.
Expansion plans under Operation 777
The company said Kaal Bhairava reflects its focus on building scalable and cost-efficient autonomous warfare systems, including autonomous airpower, swarm systems, and next-generation air defence technologies.
With the Portugal partnership becoming the first overseas node under Operation 777, FWDA plans to expand its international aerospace and defence partnerships across strategic regions in the coming years.
