Flying Wedge Wants AI in the Pilot’s Seat — Its First Full-Scale Prototype Is Here

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has taken a major step in its autonomous-aircraft ambitions, unveiling a full-scale static prototype of FWD Supreme, a proposed family of AI- piloted combat aircraft intended for surveillance, strike and collaborative missions.

The Bengaluru-based startup describes FWD Supreme as India’s first AI-piloted fighter aircraft programme, distinguishing it from conventional unmanned combat aircraft that still depend heavily on remote operators. Founder Suhas Tejaskanda says the key difference lies in the programme’s intended decision-making architecture, which is being designed to give the aircraft greater autonomy during coordinated missions.

For now, however, the programme remains at the prototype stage. Flying Wedge has unveiled a full-scale static version of the heavier FWD Supreme, but has not announced a maiden flight for that aircraft. The company also confirmed that it currently has no formal agreement or funding arrangement with the Ministry of Defence and is seeking capital from private equity and venture investors.

Development is also progressing on the smaller Supreme Lite. The company says that variant has completed taxi trials and is being prepared for its first flight, which is expected within roughly one-and-a-half to two months. A successful maiden flight would mark an important transition from ground testing toward actual flight validation.

Flying Wedge plans to develop the wider aircraft family through an initiative called Operation Triple Seven, aimed at bringing international partners into an India-led development and manufacturing programme. The startup has raised $3.44 million across eight funding rounds, according to Tracxn data cited by Fortune India.

The unveiling therefore represents more than a finished aircraft reveal. Flying Wedge has put a full-scale physical form around its autonomous-combat vision; the next challenge is proving that ambition in the air.