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Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) is a state-of-the-art facility developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for conducting flight tests of indigenous manned and unmanned aircraft systems, located in Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district, Karnataka, India. Spanning approximately 4,000 acres with a 28 km perimeter, it serves as a dedicated national infrastructure to support the testing and evaluation of aeronautical technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light combat aircraft variants, and reusable launch vehicles.^[1] Inaugurated on 28 May 2017 by then-Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at a cost of ₹1,300 crore, the ATR represents a key milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technologies under the 'Make in India' initiative.^[2]^[1] The facility includes a 2.2 km runway—later extended to approximately 3.13 km by 2021 to accommodate larger aircraft—two UAV hangars, a radar centre, a range control centre with air traffic display and telemetry systems, a fibre-optic network, and a 200-acre residential township with essential amenities.^[3]^[4] Since its operationalization, the ATR has facilitated critical trials for DRDO projects such as the Rustom-2 UAV and is set to host trials for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas MkII, as well as collaborations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for autonomous landing experiments of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) 'Pushpak' in 2023 and 2024.^[1]^[5]^[6] In 2023, it also supported the flight trial of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, and as of May 2025, interventions by the Ministry of Defence and Prime Minister's Office addressed operational bottlenecks to enhance its efficiency. These activities underscore its role as an integrated test bed enhancing India's strategic aerospace capabilities amid evolving security needs.^[7]

Overview

Location and Site Details

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range is located in Varavoo Kaval village, Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka, India, approximately 220 km northwest of Bengaluru.^[2] This positioning places it within the central Karnataka region, facilitating proximity to major defense research hubs while providing isolation for secure operations.^[8] The site spans 4,029 acres of semi-arid terrain, acquired by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support specialized testing requirements.^[9] The landscape features flat, open expanses characteristic of the surrounding plateau, which offer unobstructed visibility and minimal environmental interference for flight trials.^[10] Challakere's semi-arid climate, marked by low annual rainfall and dry conditions, further suits the range's purpose by reducing weather-related disruptions.^[11] Security measures include a 28 km secured perimeter enclosing the facility, designed to maintain strict control over access and operations.^[9] Additionally, rail link connectivity has been planned to streamline logistics and material transport to the site.^[12]

Purpose and Role

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) serves as a dedicated national facility for the flight testing, validation, and evaluation of military and civil aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, parachutes, sensors, avionics, and weapons systems under realistic operational conditions.^[13]^[14] Established by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it provides an integrated environment to assess performance, safety, and integration of these technologies, ensuring they meet stringent defense and aviation standards before deployment.^[13] In its strategic role, the ATR bolsters India's indigenous aerospace and defense capabilities by enabling domestic testing that reduces dependency on foreign ranges and facilities, thereby accelerating the development of homegrown systems.^[14]^[13] This aligns directly with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, promoting self-reliance in critical technologies and fostering innovation through collaborations between DRDO, industry partners, and research institutions.^[13] Additionally, it facilitates the simulation of combat and mission scenarios in a secure setting, enhancing operational readiness for the Indian Armed Forces.^[13] The range's capabilities extend to testing in controlled airspace, supporting high-speed, hypersonic, and reusable systems without the need for international travel, as demonstrated by joint DRDO-ISRO missions involving reusable launch vehicle landings.^[15]^[16] This infrastructure not only validates advanced autonomous and sensor technologies but also contributes to civil aviation research, positioning India as a key player in global aerospace advancements.^[13]

History

Establishment and Planning

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) was conceived by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based in Bengaluru, to fill critical gaps in India's domestic infrastructure for testing aeronautical systems, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies.^[13] This initiative arose in the post-2000s era amid the expansion of indigenous UAV and missile development programs, which required secure, dedicated facilities to conduct flight trials without relying on foreign or limited existing ranges.^[13] The need for such a specialized site was driven by the growing emphasis on self-reliance in defense aerospace, enabling controlled evaluations of air-to-ground weapons, parachutes, and aerostats in a controlled environment.^[17] Site selection for the ATR focused on criteria such as remoteness to ensure safety and minimal interference, suitable terrain for aerial operations, and proximity to Bengaluru to facilitate coordination with ADE's research activities.^[13] The chosen location in Varavoo Kaval near Challakere in Chitradurga district offered vast open spaces, favorable weather conditions, low air traffic density, and semi-arid terrain ideal for unmanned and experimental flights.^[13]^[5] These factors were prioritized during the planning phase to support secure, indigenous testing capabilities, with the project envisioned as an integrated outdoor facility exclusively for DRDO's aeronautical evaluations.^[17] Planning advanced with the foundation stone laid in 2007, marking the formal start of development under ADE's oversight in collaboration with other DRDO entities.^[13] Land acquisition involved the Karnataka state government allotting approximately 4,290 acres, primarily from local farmers, with the Ministry of Defence purchasing the plot for Rs 12 crore in a 2008 deal; compensation was disbursed to affected landowners, though the process faced protests and delays until completion around 2010.^[18]^[8]^[2] The initial budget allocation stood at Rs 1,300 crore to cover site preparation and foundational infrastructure, reflecting the strategic investment in bolstering India's aerospace testing autonomy.^[19]^[2]

Inauguration and Initial Operations

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), transitioned from planning to functionality with its official inauguration on May 28, 2017.^[20] The facility was dedicated to the nation by then-Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore, marking a key step in enhancing India's indigenous defence testing capabilities.^[2] This event highlighted the range's role as the country's first dedicated site for flight-testing unmanned and manned aircraft systems.^[17] Prior to the inauguration, the project faced significant challenges, including protests from local farmers over land acquisition and an environmental halt ordered by the National Green Tribunal in 2013 due to concerns about grassland diversion.^[2] These issues were resolved following approvals from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, enabling the completion of core infrastructure and paving the way for operational readiness. The airspace over the ATR is designated as restricted, managed by the Indian Air Force to ensure safety and confidentiality for testing.^[13] Initial operations commenced partially in late 2016, highlighted by the maiden flight of the Rustom-2 UAV on November 16, 2016, with early activities centered on basic flight validations and the integration of key systems such as telemetry networks and radar setups.^[21] These foundational efforts validated the range's telemetry and surveillance radar systems, ensuring reliable data acquisition for subsequent trials.^[1]

Facilities and Infrastructure

Airfield and Runway

The airfield at the Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range serves as the primary aviation infrastructure for flight testing of unmanned and manned aerial vehicles. It features a paved runway that was initially constructed at 2.2 kilometers in length to support initial testing operations.^[22]^[17] Since 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been extending the runway by approximately 1 kilometer to a total of 3.13 kilometers to enhance its ability to accommodate larger aircraft during high-speed trials; as of 2025, the extension remains ongoing.^[4]^[23] This extension allows the facility to handle fighter jets, such as the Tejas MkII, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for developmental testing.^[5] Supporting the runway are taxiways for efficient aircraft movement, two hangars for storage and maintenance of test vehicles, and a planned integrated rail link for transporting heavy equipment to the site.^[22]^[17] The airfield's design leverages the surrounding semi-arid terrain to enable safe, all-weather operations for multiple test flights.^[5]

Testing and Support Systems

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range employs advanced telemetry and radar systems for precise monitoring and data acquisition during flight tests. High-precision tracking is facilitated by primary radars and secondary surveillance radars (MSSR) housed in a dedicated radar centre, enabling accurate flight path determination and performance evaluation.^[1]^[12] Real-time telemetry stations, including ground telemetry systems, capture and transmit flight data such as speed, altitude, and system status, supported by electro-optical tracking systems and air data sensors for comprehensive observation.^[1]^[13] Control facilities at the range center on a state-of-the-art Range Control Centre (RCC) that integrates multiple operational elements for mission oversight. The RCC features an Air Traffic Display System for visualizing aircraft positions, remote control capabilities for radar operations, and ATC RF voice communication systems for coordination.^[1] Additionally, it includes mission video distribution and display systems for real-time visual feeds, alongside range operational communication networks to ensure secure and reliable data exchange among teams.^[1] These elements support simulation and analysis through integrated software interfaces, allowing operators to monitor and adjust test parameters dynamically.^[13] Support infrastructure emphasizes sustainability and operational reliability, with weather stations providing essential meteorological data for safe test scheduling.^[13] Mobile communication links enable seamless connectivity across the site, while efforts toward green energy integration, such as solar power initiatives, aim to reduce environmental impact.^[24] Additionally, as of 2025, a wind tunnel for UAV testing is under construction to support aerodynamic evaluations.^[25] Safety features are integral to the range's design, including a 28-kilometer fenced perimeter that secures the 4,029-acre site against unauthorized access.^[9] Radar surveillance systems contribute to drone detection and airspace monitoring, with integration into Indian Air Force protocols for coordinated management of restricted zones during operations.^[13] Emergency response units are stationed on-site to handle potential incidents, ensuring rapid mitigation.^[13]

Operations

Major Testing Programs

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range has been a primary site for evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, focusing on endurance, autonomy, and target simulation capabilities. The Rustom-2, also designated as TAPAS-BH-201, underwent its maiden flight in November 2016, achieving stable takeoff and landing parameters during initial trials. Subsequent tests between 2018 and 2020 validated its medium-altitude long-endurance performance, including a successful flight in February 2018 that confirmed 24-hour operational potential. In the 2020s, TAPAS-BH-201 endurance evaluations continued, with a notable demonstration in June 2023 showcasing extended flight durations and real-time control from remote stations. The Abhyas high-speed expendable aerial target drone has also been validated here, with its first experimental launch without the main engine conducted in June 2013, establishing baseline aerodynamic data. The facility's infrastructure has facilitated parachute deployment tests for recovery systems, ensuring reliable mid-air stabilization and ground impact mitigation as part of broader aerial recovery protocols. Advanced testing programs have extended to space vehicle integration, exemplified by the Indian Space Research Organisation's Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Autonomous Landing Experiment (LEX) missions at the site. The LEX-01 occurred in April 2023, where the Pushpak prototype was air-dropped from a Chinook helicopter at 4.5 km altitude and executed a precise runway landing using onboard navigation. This was followed by LEX-02 on 22 March 2024 and LEX-03 on 23 June 2024, both achieving successful autonomous landings and completing the series of technology demonstrations.^[26]^[27] In December 2023, DRDO conducted a successful flight trial of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing UAV, from the range, validating tailless configuration and autonomous flight capabilities.^[28] Prototype trials for the Tejas MkII fighter are planned to commence in late 2025, leveraging the range's extended runway for initial flight envelope expansions. These programs have yielded successful data validation for indigenous aeronautical systems, contributing to enhanced reliability in UAV autonomy and landing technologies through iterative flight outcomes.

Involved Organizations and Collaborations

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) is primarily managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier agency for military technology development, with operational oversight provided by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a key DRDO laboratory based in Bengaluru.^[13] Key collaborations involve the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which partners with DRDO to conduct tests of reusable launch vehicles and other space-related aerial systems at the facility, leveraging its specialized infrastructure for autonomous landing experiments.^[15] The Indian Air Force (IAF) supports operations by managing restricted airspace over the range, ensuring secure and confidential flight trials while providing logistical and security assistance.^[13] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's leading aerospace manufacturer, collaborates closely with DRDO and ADE for developmental trials of fighter aircraft, including the Tejas MkII program, where HAL deploys test pilots and ground crews to the site for performance, avionics, and weapons integration evaluations.^[5] Academic partnerships are emerging through DRDO's broader ties with institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), focusing on advancements in sensor technologies and UAV systems tested at ATR, though these remain integrated into national indigenous development efforts.^[29] International collaborations are limited, emphasizing self-reliance in defense technologies, with no foreign entities basing operations at the range; instead, activities prioritize domestic partnerships to accelerate unmanned aerial vehicle and aeronautical system validations.^[17]

Developments and Future Plans

Expansions and Upgrades

In 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) extended the runway at the Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range by approximately 1 km, increasing its total length from approximately 2.2 km to 3.13 km to accommodate testing of heavier unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced aeronautical systems.^[4] This upgrade enhanced the facility's capacity for high-speed taxi trials and flight operations, supporting programs like the Rustom series UAVs with improved payload capabilities.^[30] As part of ongoing enhancements, DRDO planned the establishment of a high-power computing facility at the range in 2021 to enable advanced simulations and data processing for UAV development and testing.^[31] By mid-2025, the facility was undergoing further expansions, including the addition of a dedicated wind tunnel for UAV aerodynamic testing, projected to become operational within the next two years to accelerate indigenous UAV prototyping and validation.^[23] However, in May 2025, testing activities faced delays due to airspace clearance issues with the Airports Authority of India, impacting UAV development timelines.^[25] These developments aim to integrate computational modeling with real-world trials, reducing development timelines for next-generation aerial systems.

Strategic and National Importance

The Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) serves as a pivotal enabler for India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defense sector, facilitating the indigenous design, development, and validation of advanced aerospace systems without dependence on external facilities. By providing a dedicated testing environment, it reduces reliance on foreign ranges, such as those in Russia or the United States, thereby enhancing national security through strategic deterrence and surveillance capabilities. This self-reliant infrastructure supports the validation of critical systems like the TAPAS-BH-201 UAV and Lakshya pilotless target aircraft, aligning with broader goals of technological sovereignty in defense aerospace.^[13] Economically, the ATR contributes to regional development in Karnataka by fostering industry collaborations, technology transfers, and joint ventures that stimulate growth in the local aerospace ecosystem. It boosts employment opportunities in Chitradurga and surrounding areas through direct and indirect jobs in testing, maintenance, and support services, while promoting skill development and ancillary industries. This integration strengthens Karnataka's position as a hub for aerospace innovation, supporting the state's policy objectives for economic expansion in high-tech sectors.^[13]^[32] Looking ahead, the ATR is positioned to underpin India's aerospace ambitions by 2030, including trials for hypersonic vehicles, next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and space-aero integration technologies. These capabilities will elevate India's global standing in aviation and defense technologies, enabling the maturation of systems with potential for international exports. The facility's role is further amplified through collaborations with the Indian Air Force for airspace management and the Indian Space Research Organisation for integrated projects.^[13]^[33] Post-2017, the ATR embodies the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) long-term strategic vision for indigenous innovation, as outlined in initiatives promoting 'Make in India' and self-reliance. By validating high-impact systems, it unlocks export potential for DRDO-developed technologies, contributing to India's emergence as a defense exporter while ensuring alignment with national security priorities.^[34]^[33]

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### Summary of Expansions and Upgrades at Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range
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