The American company GAASI (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.), which is known for manufacturing the world-famous Predator UAVs, radars as well as electro-optic and other related mission systems, and the Indian company Bharat Forge Limited have collaborated to produce main landing gear components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies for remotely piloted aircraft.
The establishment of this cooperation is an important step towards the acceleration of manufacturing in India. The GAASI release is not clear if it is for global sales or only for the upcoming Indian order.
In December 2022, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar informed the media that India has negotiated for a local assembly of the American remotely piloted aircraft MQ9B Sea/Sky Guardian (RPA). As a result of assertive talks, at least 60 percent of the number of aircraft intended for the acquisition will be assembled in India, he informed the media. A Tri-services case for the acquisition of 30 MQ9B from the United States under Government-to-Government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) is currently being processed. The agreement also includes collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for the transfer of specialised technologies required for the indigenous design and development of HALE RPAS in India. The programme would include the establishment of a Performance Based Depot Level Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and Sea Guardian Global Sustainment Support (SGSS). Last year, the Indian Navy completed 10000 flight hours in just one year with two MQ-9 UAVs leased from the US.
The Kalyani Group’s Bharat Forge is India’s largest repository of metallurgical knowledge, design and engineering experience, and production power. Bharat Forge is a division of the Kalyani Group. Bharat Forge has over half a century’s worth of experience in the production of a wide variety of high-performance, critical safety components. As a result, the company is able to provide full-service supply capacity, beginning with the conception of a product and continuing through its design, engineering, production, testing, and validation.
GA-ASI is excited to collaborate with Bharat Forge in the crucial sector of aerostructure manufacturing, according to Dr Vivek Lall, General Atomics Global Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer. Moreover, Bharat Forge’s remarkable contributions to the aerospace industry have motivated GAASI to collaborate with them for the development of the next generation of the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, he added.
Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, stated that the aerospace industry relies on Product Integrity, Reliability, and Zero Defects. This is a unique culture that requires a significant emphasis on people and procedures. As part of Kalyani’s Aerospace Growth Strategy, the group’s partnership with GA-ASI is a powerful testament to its culture in Bharat Forge Aerospace to absorb and demonstrate the same as partners to General Atomics, he said.
A digitally integrated production, assembly, and testing facility for aircraft components and systems are housed by Bharat Forge Limited. It makes structural and engine components and subsystems for civil and military aircraft and engines. Its impressive portfolio includes the manufacture of aircraft turbines and compressors, high-end aero engine components such as blades, discs, and shafts, and airframe components such as aircraft landing gear while adhering to the most recent technological and design trends and upholding stringent quality standards.
GA-ASI release states that it is convinced that its partnership with Bharat Forge would result in considerable capability expansion for both firms and provide a boost to the Indian market for big unmanned aircraft.
