India has announced plans to develop a stealth unmanned combat aircraft capable of operating from aircraft carriers, marking a significant advancement in the modernization of its naval aviation capabilities. The proposed Naval Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (NUCAV) will leverage technologies from the indigenous Ghatak program, which is focused on autonomous jet-powered combat drones for military applications.
Reports indicate that the NUCAV is being designed as a versatile platform capable of conducting precision strike missions, self-protection operations, intelligence and reconnaissance tasks, as well as aerial refueling support. The initiative reflects India’s growing emphasis on integrating advanced unmanned systems into future maritime operations.
