Mission Abhimanyu: Bengaluru startup to design India's next-gen 'Loyal Wingman' for Navy

The Indian Navy has selected Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) to develop the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV), an unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets such as the MiG-29K and the future Rafale-M. This initiative is part of the Indian Ministry of Defence's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program, which aims to leverage private sector innovation to enhance military capabilities. 

Loyal wingman Abhimanyu

The N-CCAV will be based on NRT's "Abhimanyu" concept, a jet-powered, low radar cross-section drone intended to serve as a "loyal wingman" to manned aircraft. The Abhimanyu is designed with modular architecture, allowing it to perform various roles, including surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike missions. The drone is expected to be cost-effective and expendable, with an emphasis on rapid production, enabling the Indian Navy to deploy them in large numbers to complement existing and future fighter fleets. 

Aero India 2025

A model of the Abhimanyu was showcased at Aero India 2025, featuring a design with swept wings, horizontal stabilizers, and a single vertical tail. The drone's specifications include a range of about 1,000 kilometers, an endurance of approximately 20 hours, and an operational speed of around 550 kilometers per hour.

Indian Navy operational

It is equipped with an electro-optic/infrared camera for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as a warhead for air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. The development of the N-CCAV represents a significant step forward in integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms, enhancing the Indian Navy's operational capabilities through advanced human-machine teaming.