Kadet Defence Systems (KDS) has announced the successful launch of its Jet-Powered Aerial Targets. These advanced aerial targets represent a significant step forward in India’s defence technology, contributing to the country’s goal of self-reliance in defence, known as Atmanirbhar Bharat.
KDS claims to be the first Indian aerospace company to design and develop indigenous jet-powered aerial targets. These targets are not only being used domestically but have also been exported to friendly foreign countries.
The jet-powered aerial targets are designed to travel at speeds exceeding 500 kilometers per hour, with a flight range of up to 300 kilometers from the point of launch. They can reach altitudes of more than 6,000 meters. With a low observable radar cross section and swarming capabilities, these targets are essential for training and evaluation in armed forces and defence agencies. They support the development and testing of weapon systems, including shoulder-fired missiles, guns, and artillery systems. Additionally, they can be used as high-speed decoys and counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS).
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for aerial targets in defence applications. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play a crucial role in military training, testing, and evaluation. With their advanced capabilities and realistic simulation features, aerial targets enable armed forces to improve their readiness and effectiveness in combat scenarios.
Aerial targets are used for various purposes, including target practice, weapon testing, and tactical training exercises. Their ability to mimic enemy aircraft and perform complex manoeuvres provides invaluable training opportunities for military personnel across all branches. Additionally, aerial targets offer a cost-effective and safer alternative to using manned aircraft in training scenarios.
As defence agencies worldwide prioritize modernization and innovation, the demand for aerial targets is expected to continue growing. Technological advancements, such as autonomous flight capabilities and sophisticated sensor systems, are further driving the adoption of these unmanned platforms in defence applications.
Previously, aerial targets had to be imported from various countries. Now, Kadet Defence Systems is ready to supply these sophisticated targets domestically to the Indian armed forces and export them to friendly nations. In a notable achievement, KDS has already exported these jet-powered aerial targets to a friendly foreign country in Southeast Asia, where they are currently in active service. This export was authorized by the Government of India.
Avdhesh Khaitan, CEO of Kadet Defence Systems, expressed pride in the company’s accomplishments. “We are proud to be the first Indian company to design, develop, and export jet-powered aerial targets. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in defence technology. Our jet-powered aerial targets will significantly enhance the training and evaluation capabilities of the armed forces, both in India and abroad. We look forward to continuing our work in providing world-class defence solutions,” said Khaitan.
He further added, “Kadet Defence Systems remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the defence sector.”
This groundbreaking development positions KDS as a key player in the global defence sector. It demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in advanced defence technology and boosts national defence capabilities. The company’s success showcases the potential for Indian companies to compete internationally.
With several key weapon development programs underway by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private players, the availability of an indigenous solution for evaluating weapon systems during design, development, and user trials is crucial. It helps reduce costs and ensures the data security of test results.