India Achieves Breakthrough: Fighter Jets Can Change Shape Mid-Air, DRDO’s Morphing Wing Tech Sets New Benchmark

New Delhi: India has made a historic breakthrough in defense technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested jet morphing wing technology, allowing fighter jets to dynamically change their wing shape mid-flight, making it almost impossible for adversaries to predict their maneuvers.

World-Class Aeronautics Capability

The morphing wing technology enables aircraft wings to adjust their shape in real-time during missions, optimizing aerodynamics for different flight phases. This cutting-edge technology had previously been explored only by global giants like NASA, Airbus, and DARPA. Now, India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem has successfully demonstrated it in a flight-ready hardware setup.

According to senior DRDO officials, morphing wings allow aircraft to maximize lift during takeoff, reduce drag during cruising, and enhance maneuverability during combat, all while improving stealth and fuel efficiency.

DRDO’s Successful Trial

The trial was conducted in collaboration with CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). The demonstration showed real-time geometric adjustments of the aircraft wing, a capability that provides unprecedented control and efficiency. Unlike conventional fixed wings, morphing wings can reconfigure dynamically without compromising stealth or performance, giving Indian jets a strategic edge in any operational scenario.

Rapid Shape Transformation

A standout feature of the technology is its speed. Wings can change shape in a thousandth of a second, adapting to the requirements of lift, drag, or combat maneuvering almost instantly. This capability significantly enhances fuel efficiency and reduces radar signature, making jets more elusive and operationally versatile.

Key Features of Morphing Wings

• Iron-based Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) embedded within the wings
• SMA contracts when heated to morph the wing shape
• Electrical current is cut to return wings to their original position
• Gapless wing design and minimal metal joints reduce radar visibility
• Power-efficient operation: only sections requiring adjustment use electricity

This breakthrough places India among the few nations in the world capable of deploying morphing wing technology, significantly strengthening the Indian Air Force’s tactical capabilities and redefining aerial combat strategy.