Kadet Defence Systems, India has supported the development of the Atulya Air Defence Fire Control Radar Systems being developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation with its pilotless target aircraft, the Whistler (previously known as the “JX2 NG”).
The Atulya Air Defence Fire Control Radar is being developed for the upgraded L-70 Air Defence Gun and is expected to replace the “Fly Catcher” Radar System presently being used by the Indian Army.
During the month long development and firing trials held off the coast of Orissa, several flights of the Whistler were undertaken upto a distance of 25 Km and represented various threat profiles. The Whistler Aerial Targets were tracked and engaged successfully by the Weapon System and the flight data was used to improve the tracking algorithms of the radar system.
The Whistler is a part of a family of air vehicles being developed by Kadet DS in India for threat simulation and air defence training to operate in the speed regimes between 180 km and 720km. The systems use a common catapult launcher and are recovered by a parachute. Various payloads including RCS Enhancements, EW Package, Cameras and Scoring Systems can be installed on the Air Vehicles with an air drop capability being also worked upon.
Mr Avdhesh Khaitan, CEO of Kadet DS says “We are pleased with the performance of the Whistler and our ground support activities during the exercise at the Indian Army Field Firing Range. It gives us confidence for our developments of advanced aerial targets and also the air launched unmanned wingman program”.
Kadet DS is also aiming to export its systems to Friendly Nations in support of the vison of the Government of India for making India a hub for defence exports. The systems can be provided as a product sale or deployed to a customer’s site as a part of managed service for test or training purposes.
In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s defence capabilities, Kadet Defence Systems (KDS) has emerged as the vanguard in indigenous innovation with the successful development of India’s first Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM). Under a unique Development cum Production Partner (DCPP) model with the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), KDS has unveiled a game-changing array of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing the operational efficacy of the Indian armed forces.
The LAM Systems, a culmination of relentless innovation and strategic collaboration, encompass a diverse range of advanced technologies. From Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM) to Combat UAVs boasting stand-off capabilities for munition release, and Tactical VTOL UAVs, Kadet’s LAMs represent a paradigm shift in modern warfare.
With a contract in place for the delivery of over 50 systems by the end of 2024, KDS is poised to meet the evolving operational requirements of the armed forces with precision and efficacy.
What distinguishes Kadet’s LAMs is not just their technological prowess but also their adaptability to diverse terrains and environments. From deserts to plains, and even high-altitude regions surpassing 5,000 meters, these systems promise unparalleled performance, thereby ensuring comprehensive defence coverage across varied landscapes. Moreover, with over 90% of components locally sourced, Kadet underscores its commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and self-reliance in defence production.
Avdhesh Khaitan, Co-Founder & CEO of Kadet Defence Systems, emphasized the strategic significance of indigenous LAMs, stating, “True self-reliance lies in the ability to design and develop cutting-edge defence solutions domestically. The burgeoning demand for LAMs underscores their critical role not only in bolstering our armed forces but also in strengthening ties with friendly nations.”
With plans to scale up production and deliver an estimated five thousand systems within the next 2-3 years, Kadet reaffirms its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the defence sector.
KDS’s LAMs offer multifaceted capabilities, serving as both combat UAVs capable of precision strikes and Kamikaze drones for targeted engagements, reminiscent of cruise missiles. With the market size of LAMs in India estimated to be around Rs. 15,000 crores, Kadet is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for advanced defence solutions.
Established in 2011, Kadet Defence Systems has emerged as a trailblazer in the aerospace industry, specializing in Unmanned Systems. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, the company operates on a global scale, offering an extensive range of UAVs catering to defence and industrial sectors alike. As India marches towards self-reliance in defence production, Kadet’s pioneering efforts stand as a testament to the nation’s prowess in innovation and technological advancement.
