The team working on the project said the drone is expected to carry a payload of up to 30 kilograms and reach speeds of nearly 550 kilometres per hour. The aircraft is being designed as a recoverable UCAV powered by a turbojet engine, allowing it to operate at higher speeds than conventional propeller-driven drones.

The developers described SkyReaper as a reusable combat platform capable of performing multiple mission cycles. Unlike expendable loitering munitions, the drone is being designed for repeated deployment, which could reduce operational costs over time.

According to the technical details shared by the engineers, the drone’s architecture combines intelligence gathering with strike capability. The platform is expected to support both ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and combat payloads depending on mission requirements.

Experts involved in the programme said the concept reflects a new phase in Indian UAV development where drones are not limited to surveillance roles alone. They said the platform has been designed with a multi-role combat philosophy, allowing it to carry out reconnaissance, target acquisition and precision engagement within a single mission profile.

The team also highlighted the use of turbojet propulsion as a key feature of the aircraft. Unlike piston or turboprop-powered drones commonly used in tactical operations, the turbojet system is expected to provide faster ingress and exit capability in hostile zones.

Engineers working on the project further said the drone has been designed with modular payload configurations and adaptable mission profiles. According to them, this would allow the platform to operate across different terrains and mission environments, including reconnaissance and strike operations.