In a significant move to bolster India’s defense capabilities, Bharat Forge and the French aerospace company Turgis Gaillard have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly manufacture the AAROK Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) within India. This partnership is designed to meet the increasing demands of the Indian armed forces for long-endurance, precision-strike UAVs and aligns with the country’s push for indigenous defense manufacturing under its autonomy vision.
The AAROK UAV is engineered to operate at altitudes ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 feet and boasts an impressive endurance of up to 48 hours. It has been specifically designed for long-range surveillance and offensive missions. The UAV can carry payloads exceeding 1.5 tonnes and is equipped with sophisticated command and control systems that provide real-time tactical intelligence. Additionally, it features electromagnetic sensors and radar technology, allowing it to monitor enemy positions safely and neutralize high-value targets, such as surface-to-air defense systems.
Bharat Forge, recognized for its extensive experience in sectors including defense, aerospace, and automotive, plans to set up a production line in India to produce the AAROK UAV. The company has highlighted that this collaboration will not only enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to maintenance and overhaul services, thereby reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defense production.
The versatility of the AAROK UAV is expected to support multi-domain operations that include joint military and maritime missions. Its prolonged airborne capabilities, coupled with its advanced sensor systems, make it a crucial asset for monitoring India’s territorial waters and tracking unauthorized activities at sea.
Currently, India’s fleet of MALE UAVs primarily comprises Israeli-made Heron drones, with plans to expand its arsenal through additional acquisitions like the MQ-9B UAVs from the United States and the indigenous TAPAS UAVs that are under development. The introduction of the AAROK is anticipated to enhance the capabilities of India’s unmanned systems ecosystem by offering greater versatility and firepower.
Through this partnership, Bharat Forge is set to continue its expansion in high-tech manufacturing on a global scale, maintaining operations in five countries and providing comprehensive design-to-delivery solutions across various sectors.
