The system is India’s first long-range, export-ready loitering munition and marks the country’s entry into an elite global club of extended-range precision strike platforms.
Flying Wedge Defence unveils India’s first export-ready 100 km loitering munition at Paris airshow
Paris/Bengaluru
In a defining moment for India’s defence manufacturing, Bengaluru-based startup Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace unveiled its 100-kilometre range loitering munition, FWD-LM01, at the 55th Paris Air Show.
The system is India’s first long-range, export-ready loitering munition and marks the country’s entry into an elite global club of extended-range precision strike platforms. Fully developed in India, the weapon combines long-range capability, lightweight design, and advanced autonomous technology in a man-portable package.
The FWD-LM01 delivers a linear range of 100 kilometres, carries a 2kg warhead, and is equipped with electro-optical infrared (EOIR) sensors. Its maximum take-off weight is just 6 kilograms. It can be assembled without tools in under five minutes and can fly for up to 1.5 hours, reaching altitudes of 17,000 feet.
“This is a next-generation Indian platform designed for modern warfare,” said Suhas Tejaskanda, founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence. “We are not just catching up—we are leading in specific innovation spaces. FWD-LM01 brings agility, autonomy, and altitude to the battlefield.”
Built for asymmetric and tactical operations, the loitering munition offers autonomous targeting and navigation. It is compact enough to be carried and deployed by a single soldier. Flying Wedge says it has successfully completed high-altitude flight trials, and global explosive testing is scheduled for later this year.
This is a major step forward, as India’s loitering munition capabilities had until now been limited to sub-40km systems. “FWD-LM01 represents not just an upgrade—but a leap,” added Tejaskanda.
Key specs at a glance
- Model: FWD-LM01
- Range: 100 km
- Endurance: 1.5 hours
- Warhead: 2 kg with EOIR sensors
- Wingspan: 2 meters
- Assembly Time: Under 5 minutes
- Portability: Man-portable, no tools required
- Features: Autonomous targeting and AI-based navigation
This breakthrough underscores Flying Wedge’s growing reputation for innovation. The startup was founded in 2022 with a mission to reduce India’s dependency on foreign air defence systems. It is also the first Indian firm to receive DGCA type certification for an indigenous UAV.
In 2024, the company unveiled India’s first unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD-200B, which successfully completed its maiden flight. Beyond defence, it has also developed AI-powered drones for agriculture and analytics, demonstrating a commitment to dual-use innovation.