Flying Wedge Defence Launches 100km Range Loitering Munition ‘FWD-LM01’ at Paris Airshow 2025

• The system delivers a 100km linear range with payload of 2kg warhead and EOIR sensors

• Man-portable LM, tool-free assembly in under 5 minutes with autonomous strike features

• 100% made in India, the bird has already completed its high-altitude trials

Bengaluru, June 20. In a landmark moment, Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, a Bengaluru based Indian defence tech company, unveiled its 100km linear range loitering Munition, ‘FWD-LM01’, at the 55th edition of the Paris Air show.

Built with a vision to make India self-reliant in advanced defence manufacturing capabilities and deep tech innovation, ‘FWD-LM01’ delivers a 100km linear range, carries a 2kg explosive payload, and integrates electro-optical infrared (EOIR) sensors for enhanced precision targeting.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 6kg, the system is designed for tactical flexibility, autonomous precision strike missions and high-altitude endurance, capable of reaching altitudes up to 17000 feet and sustaining flight for up to 1.5 hours. Adding to it, the loitering munition is man portable and optimised for rapid deployment, with tool-free assembly under 5 minutes. It also features autonomous operational capabilities.

Speaking during the launch, Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence, said, “With FWD-LM01, we are signalling the arrival of next-gen Indian capability in AI-enabled loitering strike systems. This is a highly agile, high altitude tested platform designed for modern asymmetric warfare.”

“As India’s first export ready loitering munition in the 100km range, we are committed to advancing India’s defence capabilities with scalable solutions aligned with global standards”. He added.

According to the company, the system is 100% made in India. It has successfully completed high altitude flight trials and global explosive trials are slated for later this year.

Specifications:

• Model Name: FWD LM 01
• MTOW: 6 kgs
• Payload: 2 kgs WARHEAD + EOIR
• Endurance: 1.5 hrs
• Wingspan: 2m
• Linear Range: 100 kms
• Assembly Times: Up to 5 minutes (tool-free)
• Deployment: Man-Portable
• Features: Autonomous Targeting & Navigation

Until now, India’s development in loitering munitions has largely been confined to sub-40km range systems. The unveiling of a combat ready 100km range munition on foreign soil cements India’s entry into the global club of nations deploying extended-range loitering munitions.

About Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace:

Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) is India’s pioneering AI warfare and autonomous combat aircraft company, headquartered in Bengaluru. Founded in 2022 by Suhas Tejaskanda, the company was established with a bold vision- to minimize India’s dependency on costly air defence imports and to propel the country towards self-reliance in cutting-edge aerospace innovation.

The company made history by becoming the first Indian firm to secure DGCA type certification for an indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and soon after, unveiled India’s first unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD-200B, which successfully completed its maiden flight on 3rd September 2024, a landmark moment in India’s defence and aviation history.

Beyond defence, FWDA has also developed patented AI-ML embedded drones with real-time analytics for agricultural applications, furthering its commitment to dual-use innovation. With a strong portfolio of autonomous strike systems, killer drones, and scalable unmanned solutions, FWDA envisions positioning India not just as a consumer, but as a global hub for next-generation AI warfare and combat UAV manufacturing.