Indian Navy’s AI-Powered Stealth Drone ‘Abhimanyu’ to Join Carrier Fleet by 2026

In a major boost to India’s naval air power, the Indian Navy is set to induct its first AI-enabled stealth combat drone, codenamed “Abhimanyu,” by 2026. The indigenous project, currently under advanced development, is designed to operate from aircraft carriers and work alongside manned fighter jets in complex maritime missions.

Developed under the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) program, the Abhimanyu drone is being built with active participation from Indian defence startups, including NewSpace Research & Technologies. The platform is envisioned as a “loyal wingman” that can accompany carrier-based fighters such as the MiG-29K and the Rafale-M, expanding the Navy’s strike reach and situational awareness.

What sets Abhimanyu apart is its combination of AI-guided autonomy, stealth design, and multi-role capabilities. The drone is expected to feature a low radar cross-section, swept wings, narrow air intakes, and advanced composite materials to reduce detectability. It will be capable of carrying out reconnaissance, electronic warfare, precision strikes, and defensive countermeasures – all while maintaining minimal human intervention.

According to officials, the new unmanned system will undergo extensive testing for carrier launch and recovery operations, ensuring it can safely integrate with India’s aircraft carriers, including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Once operational, Abhimanyu will provide a cost-effective force multiplier for naval operations, allowing the Navy to undertake missions in high-risk environments without endangering pilots.

The introduction of the Abhimanyu drone aligns with India’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” defence initiatives. It highlights growing synergy between the armed forces and private industry through platforms like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), which promotes indigenous R&D and rapid prototyping of advanced defence technologies.

Experts believe that the Abhimanyu drone will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future naval aviation strategy. Its AI-based decision-making and network-centric warfare capabilities could give the Indian Navy a decisive edge in the Indo-Pacific, where unmanned systems are increasingly redefining maritime combat dynamics.

If timelines stay on track, the Indian Navy could begin sea trials by late 2025, followed by full operational induction in 2026 – marking a historic milestone in India’s journey towards autonomous naval warfare.