DRDO Successfully Tests 'Ghatak' Autonomous Stealth Wing Technology Demonstrator
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major milestone by successfully flight-testing the 'Ghatak' autonomous stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- DRDO tested the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator in Chitradurga.
- The project is a precursor to the 'Ghatak' stealth combat drone.
- The technology focuses on 'stealth' by using a flying wing design to minimize radar detection.
- India joins a select group of nations with indigenous stealth UCAV technology.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | Defence acquisitions, military exercises, and appointments appear in SSC GK. |
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 4–8 | UPSC focuses on strategic aspects: defence policy, Indo-Pacific, border issues, and bilateral defence deals. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Military exercise: name, participating countries, location, purpose
- Defence acquisition: system name, purpose, procured from which country
- Appointments: new Chief of Army Staff, CNS, CAS, and their tenures
- Indigenization: 'Made in India' defence milestones, first-ever systems
- Strategic policy: recent changes to defence export policy, FDI limits in defence
Practice Questions
Q1. Where was the flight test of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator conducted?
- Pokhran, Rajasthan
- Chitradurga, Karnataka
- Chandipur, Odisha
- Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Q2. What is the primary advantage of a 'flying wing' design in aircraft?
- Increased passenger capacity
- Lower fuel consumption only
- Reduced radar cross-section (Stealth)
- Higher speed than supersonic jets
Explanation: The flying wing design is primarily used to achieve stealth by reducing the radar cross-section of the aircraft.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams
For every military exercise, note: India + Partner country + Purpose (bilateral or multilateral). Questions are pattern-based.
Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
Chiefs of defence services change periodically. Always keep the current CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Chief up to date.
Related Current Affairs
Test Your Knowledge on Today's Current Affairs
10 questions · 10 minutes · Based on today's GK updates. See how prepared you really are.
Start Daily Quiz