Indian AI combat drone Kaal Bhairava will be manufactured in Europe after FWDA partnered with Portuguese defence technology company SKETCHPIXEL.
NEW DELHI: Indian defence technology company FWDA has announced a major international partnership that will bring its autonomous warfare aircraft Kaal Bhairava into European defence manufacturing networks. The collaboration with Portuguese defence technology firm SKETCHPIXEL marks a significant milestone for India’s growing ambitions in advanced military exports and AI-driven defence systems.
Under the agreement, Indian AI combat drone Kaal Bhairava will be manufactured in Europe while integrating simulation technologies, communications systems and interoperability features developed by SKETCHPIXEL. The Portuguese company is known for advanced fighter jet simulation systems linked to aircraft including the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
FWDA confirmed it will retain intellectual property rights connected to the aircraft’s autonomous systems and airframe design. Industry observers say the deal positions India among a small group of countries exporting indigenous AI-enabled defence platforms into European and NATO-linked manufacturing ecosystems.
Kaal Bhairava has been designed as a medium-altitude, long-endurance autonomous combat aircraft capable of travelling up to 3,000 kilometres with operational endurance exceeding 30 hours. The platform includes AI-powered target recognition, encrypted communications and swarm coordination capabilities aimed at next-generation battlefield operations.
Company founder and chief executive Suhas Tejaskanda said the agreement reflects rising international interest in Indian defence innovation and autonomous warfare systems. He added that Portugal’s strategic access to European defence networks could help expand future collaboration opportunities and international deployment pathways.
The Indian AI combat drone project also highlights India’s broader push towards self-reliance in advanced defence manufacturing and military technology exports. Analysts say autonomous warfare platforms, unmanned systems and AI-integrated combat capabilities are becoming major priorities for global defence industries amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
SKETCHPIXEL chief executive Miguel Abrue stated that the partnership combines Indian expertise in engineering, electronics and AI systems with European strengths in simulation technology and military integration. The collaboration is expected to strengthen long-term defence technology cooperation between India and European partners.
