JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd. has announced a partnership with U.S.-based defense technology company Shield AI Inc. to manufacture the "V-BAT," an unmanned aerial system (UAS) used for military surveillance and reconnaissance. Through this collaboration, JSW Group will invest a total of $90 million over the next two years, with $65 million directed towards establishing manufacturing facilities, global compliance standards, and workforce training within the first 12 months.
This investment will enable the setup of a production line in India for the V-BAT, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The V-BAT, already deployed by military forces including the United States Marine Expeditionary Units, features a compact, ducted fan design that allows for rapid deployment with minimal logistical requirements.
JSW Group’s Parth Jindal noted that the new facility will allow for the large-scale production of V-BAT systems for the Indian Armed Forces, along with training, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
Sarjan Shah, Managing Director for Shield AI in India, described the partnership as an outcome of coordinated efforts to strengthen the U.S.-India defense supply chain, enabling growth in India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Through this collaboration, JSW Defence and Shield AI aim to support local defense initiatives while establishing India as a manufacturing hub for military-grade UAS technology.
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