When I witnessed the unveiling of the SWITCH V2 UAV at Aero India 2025, it felt like India had taken a defining leap in the world of unmanned aerial systems. For years, I have seen our armed forces depend on imported drones, often designed for environments far different from India’s. But here was something different, a fully indigenous tactical UAV, engineered specifically for the demanding terrains of the Himalayas, the deserts, and our borders.
To me, the SWITCH V2 is not just another drone. It is a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat, a story where Indian soldiers can finally place their trust in homegrown technology that is rugged, reliable, and ready for battle.
From SWITCH to SWITCH V2: The Evolution Story
The original SWITCH UAV, developed by ideaForge Technology, was a true game-changer for India’s tactical surveillance needs. Lightweight, versatile, and dependable, it proved capable of carrying out ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions even in high-altitude regions where conventional drones struggled to operate.
But technology does not stand still. The battlefield demanded more:
- Greater endurance
- Better payload options
- Ruggedness against wind and electronic warfare threats
That is how the SWITCH V2 UAV was born. It is an upgraded platform that delivers a 25% performance improvement and introduces future-proof capabilities for modern warfare.
Related: Abhay UAV: India’s Silent Anti-Radar Decoy Drone
Explore: Archer-NG UAV: India’s 29-Hour Drone Maiden Flight 2025
SWITCH V2 UAV: Full Specifications and Capabilities
Numbers matter to defence enthusiasts because they show whether a platform is worth the hype. Here is what makes SWITCH V2 stand apart.
Key Technical Specs
- Endurance: Flies for 120+ minutes at Mean Sea Level
- Operational Range: 15 km line-of-sight, with stronger link security
- Wingspan & Length: 2.6 m wingspan, 1.8 m length
- Weight: Under 7 kg, including payload and battery
- Cruise Speed: 13 m/s (~47 km/h)
- Altitude Capability: Effective even at 5,000 m AMSL
- Wind Resistance: Operates in winds up to 40 km/h
- Temperature Range: -15 °C to +55 °C
- Ingress Protection: IP53 certified against dust and drizzle
These figures prove why SWITCH V2 UAV is not just an upgrade, but a platform designed for Indian realities, from deserts to Himalayan heights.
See also: NAGASTRA-1R: 450 Drones Ordered by Indian Army
Read next: Sabal-50: India’s 50 kg Heavy-Lift Combat UAV
Payload Options: How SWITCH V2 Adapts to Missions
One of the most impressive aspects of SWITCH V2 is its swappable payload architecture. Instead of being locked into one role, the UAV can transform based on mission needs.
- Electro-Optical Camera: HD with 25× optical zoom for long-range surveillance
- Thermal Sensor: Night-time reconnaissance, border monitoring, and counter-insurgency
- Mapping Payloads: Orthophotos, 3D terrain models, and change detection for military planning and disaster response
This adaptability makes SWITCH V2 UAV equally relevant for the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, disaster management agencies, and even infrastructure monitoring.
Comparison insight: IdeaForge ZOLT UAV: Armed with Zeus Numerix in 2025 Trials
Discover: FWD-LM01: India’s 100 km AI Strike Drone
Autonomy and Built-in Fail-Safe Systems
Autonomy is where drones either succeed or fail. SWITCH V2 delivers reliability with features such as:
- Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), no runway required
- Fully autonomous operations, from launch to landing
- Waypoint navigation, with both pre-planned and live updates
- Target tracking, capable of following static and moving targets
- Fail-Safe Mechanisms, including auto-return on low battery, link loss, or emergencies
This ensures soldiers can focus on the mission instead of worrying about manual controls.
Battlefield-Rugged and Military-Tested
SWITCH V2 is not a lab prototype. It is battlefield-ready.
- Certified to JSS 55555 (Indian defence quality) and MIL-STD-461E (EMI/EMC)
- Tested against vibration, drop, salt fog, and extreme climate conditions
- Designed with electronic warfare resistance and a secure supply chain
That is what makes the SWITCH V2 UAV reliable. It is designed to withstand India’s most challenging operational environments.
Explore more: India’s Top 5 Long-Range Loitering Munitions
Bonus read: Kalam Labs 4kg UAV Sets Record at 9,790m
SWITCH UAV vs SWITCH V2: Key Differences Explained
| Feature | SWITCH UAV | SWITCH V2 UAV |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | ~120 min | 120+ min (better efficiency) |
| Range | 15 km LOS | 15 km LOS (enhanced stability) |
| Payloads | EO + Thermal | EO, IR + Mapping + 3D analytics |
| Wind Resistance | 40 km/h | Improved turbulence tolerance |
| Weight | < 7 kg | < 7 kg (modular payload design) |
| Autonomy | VTOL, waypoint, fail-safe | Advanced autonomy with AI target tracking |
| Certifications | JSS 55555, MIL-STD-461E | Same plus EW resistance, future-proof |
| Applications | ISR, patrol | ISR, mapping, disaster relief |
Where SWITCH V2 UAV Can Be Used
The real strength of SWITCH V2 is its ability to perform across sectors.
For Defence and Military
- Border surveillance and infiltration detection
- Tactical ISR in contested areas
- Monitoring convoy movements
For Homeland Security
- Counter-terror and urban surveillance
- Protection of critical installations
For Disaster Management
- Search and rescue during floods or earthquakes
- Real-time damage assessment
- Monitoring wildfire spread
For Civil and Infrastructure Uses
- Powerline inspection
- Pipeline monitoring
- Smart city surveys and planning
This versatility is why SWITCH V2 is called a multi-role UAV, one system for many missions.
My Perspective on SWITCH V2 UAV
For me, the SWITCH V2 UAV is more than just a technological upgrade. It reflects how India is now creating mission-ready drones tailored to our own terrains and security challenges. A few years ago, we mostly spoke of imported UAVs, but today we are building systems that can match global standards while being uniquely suited to India’s needs.
Conclusion
The SWITCH V2 UAV is not simply an improvement over the original model; it is a strategic leap. With its endurance, modular payloads, rugged design, and future-proof architecture, it strengthens India’s tactical edge and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. For defence enthusiasts and new readers alike, SWITCH V2 is a clear signal that India is ready to lead in the unmanned domain with confidence and innovation.
FAQs on SWITCH V2 UAV
Q1. What is the endurance of the SWITCH V2 UAV?
It can fly for over 120 minutes continuously at Mean Sea Level.
Q2. What is the difference between SWITCH and SWITCH V2 UAV?
SWITCH V2 offers better payloads, stronger wind resistance, improved fail-safes, and is designed to be future-proof.
Q3. Who makes SWITCH V2 UAV?
It is built by IdeaForge Technology, India’s leading UAV manufacturer.
Q4. Is SWITCH V2 UAV used by the Indian Army?
Yes. The Army and paramilitary already use SWITCH UAVs. The V2 is expected to expand operational use.