India's Drone Power: Wankel Engines Take Flight

India is set to develop advanced long-range drones powered by domestically produced Wankel engines, marking a significant stride in its defense manufacturing capabilities. National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has partnered with Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) to integrate these Indian-developed engines into new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

This collaboration aims to end India's dependence on foreign suppliers for drone engines. The initial phase will focus on a 30-horsepower Wankel engine, enabling drones to fly for up to nine hours and engage targets exceeding 560 miles. A more powerful 50 hp engine is also under development, with a 90 hp variant planned for heavier UAV classes.

The project underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, bolstering domestic production in the defense sector. These AI-enabled drones will operate even in GPS-denied environments, providing real-time intelligence and situational awareness. SDAL will handle manufacturing and marketing, both domestically and internationally.