Aim of the Programme

The Shakti programme was conceived to reduce pilot risk in high-threat environments, to provide persistent ISR capability beyond manned aircraft endurance, and to develop and mature autonomous systems technologies within India's aerospace industrial base.

The UCAV is designed to be operated either autonomously or as a loyal wingman to a manned Vajra through an advanced air vehicle control system and a dedicated manned-unmanned teaming datalink. In the teaming role, the Shakti can be tasked to prosecute high-threat targets while the Vajra pilot remains at standoff range.