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Strategic Partnership Between JSW Defence and Shield AI for V-BAT Drone Manufacturing in India.
On November 12, 2024, JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Indian conglomerate JSW Group, and Shield AI, Inc., a U.S. defense technology company, announced a strategic agreement to indigenize and manufacture the V-BAT drone, a Group 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), in India. This collaboration marks a key development in strengthening India’s defense capabilities by incorporating advanced drone technology into the country’s industrial ecosystem.
The V-BAT offers advanced ISR capabilities within a compact and tactical platform (Picture source: Shield AI)
The V-BAT, developed by Shield AI, is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its compact design allows deployment by a two-person team, with assembly and launch achievable in under 20 minutes. Equipped with a ducted-fan propulsion system, the V-BAT enhances thrust efficiency and provides greater stability in adverse weather conditions. With a wingspan of 2.95 meters, a length of 2.7 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 57 kilograms, including an 11.3-kilogram payload, the drone offers up to 10 hours of endurance and can operate at altitudes of 6,100 meters above sea level. It is compatible with a variety of payloads, such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras and wide-area search sensors, making it suitable for tasks like border security, counter-narcotics operations, and threat detection.
While the V-BAT is primarily intended for ISR missions, its payload capacity enables it to be armed for specific missions if required. It has been integrated into operations by the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy, where its minimal logistical footprint and adaptability have proven advantageous. India’s armed forces are also expected to adopt the V-BAT as part of the new partnership, which aims to localize production and expand the country’s technological base.
Under this agreement, the JSW Group plans to invest approximately $90 million over two years, with $65 million allocated in the first year for establishing a compliance program, creating a manufacturing facility to ensure proper technology licensing, and conducting workforce training. This initiative is designed to build a local supply chain and advanced infrastructure for assembling and testing V-BAT systems in India. The production will not only cater to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces but also establish India as a global manufacturing hub for Shield AI’s technology.
The V-BAT offers advanced ISR capabilities within a compact and tactical platform. Already deployed by armed forces worldwide, including U.S. Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU), it is suited for frontline deployment in complex and challenging environments. Its unique ducted design minimizes logistical requirements and enables rapid deployment, making it adaptable to the needs of special forces, infantry, armored, and artillery units.
The partnership aligns with the broader goal of enhancing India’s defense technology ecosystem. JSW Defence emphasized its focus on integrating critical technologies for the Indian Armed Forces and enabling large-scale production of indigenous V-BAT drones, alongside providing operator training and comprehensive maintenance services. Shield AI highlighted the collaborative effort between India and the U.S. to develop an integrated defense supply chain, positioning this agreement as a significant step toward deepening India’s indigenous capabilities in military unmanned systems.
This collaboration also underscores the strategic defense ties between India and the U.S., leveraging India’s engineering and manufacturing expertise. Shield AI noted that the V-BAT drone represents a cost-effective solution in a market shifting toward autonomous systems with reduced operational expenses. This partnership is expected to drive the local production of UAS systems while enhancing global distribution and operational expansion.