JSW Defence, Shield AI to make advanced drones in India

JSW Defence has tied up with US-based defense technology firm Shield AI, Inc., to make its vertical take-off and landing  unmanned aerial system, dubbed V-BAT, in India, the JSW group arm said

The JSW group will invest $90 million (about Rs749.7 crore) over the next two years, with $65 million earmarked for the first 12 months, the company said, adding that it plans to set up an advanced manufacturing, assembly, and testing facility in the country to create a supply chain for V-BAT aircraft.

The V-BAT is a fixed-wing, vertical take-off and landing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform.

Used by military across the world, including US Marine Expeditionary Units, V-BAT offers ISR capabilities that are vital in complex and adversarial environments, the company said.

Given its patented ducted-fan design, it is considered ideal for forward deployment in highly tactical situations as it allows for rapid deployment and a small logistics footprint.

JSW Group scion Parth Jindal said the partnership with Shield AI will help in the supply of indigenous V-BATs to the Indian armed forces and provide comprehensive flight operator training and end-to-end maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

“Through this collaboration, we will be able to supply V-BATs at scale to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces, while also positioning India as a global production hub for Shield AI,” Jindal said.