7 hours ago
Meet FWD-LM01, the Indian drone that flies 100km, finds targets, and hits on its own
India officially entered the global arena of
long-range tactical drones
with the unveiling of the
FWD-LM01
, a new
loitering munition
developed by Bengaluru-based
Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace
(
FWDA
). The launch took place at the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, one of the most watched global events in defence aviation.
This is the first time an Indian firm has showcased a fully indigenous, export-ready loitering munition with a range of 100 kilometres on foreign soil. Until now, India's domestic development in this category had been limited to sub-40km systems.
With FWD-LM01, India signals a shift—not just in reach, but in ambition.
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Tactical precision, portable power
The FWD-LM01 is built for missions that demand speed, stealth, and accuracy. It's compact. Just 6kg in weight, man-portable, and designed to be deployed in under five minutes, without any tools. That makes it ideal for units on the move.
Once launched, the system can loiter in air for up to 1.5 hours, climb to altitudes of 17,000 feet, and strike with a 2kg explosive payload. It integrates electro-optical infrared (EOIR) sensors for real-time visual intelligence and precision targeting.
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The munition's wingspan measures 2 metres, giving it flight stability and longer loitering ability over hostile terrain. Crucially, it's also AI-enabled, with autonomous targeting and navigation capabilities baked into the design.
At the Paris launch, FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda said, "With FWD-LM01, we are signalling the arrival of next-gen Indian capability in AI-enabled loitering strike systems. This is a highly agile, high altitude tested platform designed for modern asymmetric warfare."
He added, "As India's first export ready loitering munition in the 100km range, we are committed to advancing India's defence capabilities with scalable solutions aligned with global standards."
100% made in Bengaluru, ready for export
Every part of the FWD-LM01 is made in India. From concept to prototype to flight trials, the development has taken place entirely at Flying Wedge's Bengaluru facility.
The company confirmed that the system has already completed its high-altitude flight tests, with explosive live-fire trials scheduled later this year for international certification.
The launch isn't just about a new drone—it's about proving India's place in the fast-evolving world of
autonomous warfare
.
Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace is a young company, but it's moving fast. Founded in 2022 by Suhas Tejaskanda, the firm started with a goal: to reduce India's dependence on imported defence systems and create scalable solutions rooted in AI.
Key Specifications of FWD-LM01:
Model Name: FWD-LM01
Take-off Weight: 6kg
Payload: 2kg warhead + EOIR sensors
Endurance: 1.5 hours
Wingspan: 2 metres
Range: 100km (linear)
Deployment Time: Under 5 minutes (tool-free)
Features: Autonomous targeting and navigation
Status: High-altitude flight tested; global explosive trials due later in 2025
It's not just about making drones—it's about making India matter in the global conversation on next-generation warfare. And with players like FWDA leading the charge, the future may arrive sooner than expected.
