The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under India’s DRDO has advanced its development of a 2D thrust vectoring nozzle for the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), a crucial feature enhancing the aircraft’s maneuverability and stealth. The Ghatak UCAV, projected to weigh approximately 12-13 tons and configured as a flying wing, is designed for deep penetration strike missions and air-to-air combat, featuring an internal weapons bay capable of carrying around 1.5 tons of precision-guided munitions, bombs, and missiles. The 2D thrust vectoring nozzle, with its articulating segments and actuators, will allow precise control of thrust direction, improving evasive capabilities against sophisticated air defenses. Powered by the indigenous Dry Kaveri turbofan engine variant delivering about 49-52 kN thrust, optimized for fuel efficiency and reduced infrared signature, the Ghatak is expected to achieve supercruise capability for sustained supersonic flight. The engine has undergone high-altitude testing and is slated for imminent in-flight trials with six engines manufacturing underway. The Ghatak’s stealth features, including radar-absorbent materials and a low radar cross-section flying-wing design, are complemented by advanced AI systems for autonomous navigation, target recognition, and manned-unmanned teaming with fighter jets like the AMCA and Su-30MKI. Scheduled for its full-scale prototype flight by 2026, the Ghatak program embodies India’s strategic push for indigenous defense innovation, aiming to bolster air strike and air superiority roles with a versatile unmanned platform capable of deep strikes and combat air patrol missions in contested environments. This development marks a significant step in India’s aerospace and defense self-reliance efforts.