Makes it more clearer that , india is getting the UCAVs sooner than experts imagined. In a major move to boost manufacturing in India, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Bharat Forge Limited, India have announced a partnership to manufacture main landing gear components, subassemblies, and assemblies of remotely piloted aircraft , that is likely to be the MQ9B Sea/Sky Guardian.
From the Indian media , back in December 2022, Chief of Indian Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar had informed that India has negotiated for a local assembly of the American remotely piloted aircraft MQ9B Sea/Sky Guardian (RPA).
As a result of those 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.
General Atomics' partner — Part of the Kalyani Group, Bharat Forge is the largest repository of metallurgical know-how, design and engineering expertise, and manufacturing prowess in India. With over five decades of experience in manufacturing a wide range of high-performance, critical safety components, Bharat Forge offers full-service supply capability from concept to product design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and validation.
“GA-ASI is eagerly looking forward to working with Bharat Forge in the critical field of aerostructure manufacturing,” said Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation. “Bharat Forge’s expertise in the field of forging is known globally, and their outstanding contributions in the aerospace sector has inspired us to work together for building the next generation of the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.”
Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited, said,
“Aerospace is a high ‘Technology Intensive’ domain, which relies on Product Integrity, Reliability, and Zero Defect.’ This is a culture by itself and demands a strong focus on people and processes. As part of our Aerospace Growth Strategy, our collaboration with GA-ASI is a strong testimony of our culture in Bharat Forge Aerospace to assimilate and demonstrate the same, as partners to General Atomics, in making India Atmanirbhar.”
Bharat Forge Limited has a state-of-the-art, digitally integrated manufacturing, assembly, and testing facility for aerospace components and systems. It manufactures structural and engine parts and subsystems for aircraft and engines for both civil and military applications.
Its impressive portfolio includes aircraft turbine and compressor manufacturing; high-end aero engine components like blades, discs, and shafts; and airframe components, including aircraft landing gear, in keeping with the latest technology and design trends, while maintaining high quality standards.
GA-ASI is confident that its collaboration with Bharat Forge will result in significant capability-building for both companies and provide an impetus to the Indian large, unmanned aircraft industry.
The Indian agreement with GA-ASI 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).
