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Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has partnered with the US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to domestically produce Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). This collaboration aims to provide India’s armed forces with advanced unmanned aerial systems while enhancing defence cooperation between India and the United States.
Under the agreement, L&T will act as the prime bidder for the Ministry of Defence’s upcoming tender to procure 87 MALE RPAs, while GA-ASI will serve as the technology partner. The drones will be fully manufactured in India, incorporating technology transfers and indigenous content in line with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
“This partnership offers India a unique opportunity to manufacture cutting-edge unmanned platforms indigenously,” said S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of L&T. “Our alliance with GA-ASI will not only enhance India’s defence capabilities but also accelerate self-reliance in advanced aerospace technologies.”
GA-ASI, globally recognised for its combat-proven MQ-series RPAS, already supplies drones to several defence forces worldwide, including the United States. The partnership will leverage L&T’s precision manufacturing and system integration expertise alongside GA-ASI’s long-standing operational experience to produce next-generation RPAs optimised for India’s tri-services needs.
A Competitive Battlefield for RPAs
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in August granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 87 MALE RPAs for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The platforms are expected to act as force multipliers, providing persistent surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision strike capabilities.
L&T–GA-ASI will compete against several domestic and international contenders, including Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under Defence Research and Development Organisation, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), and Adani Defence and Aerospace, among others. The move signals the start of a highly competitive bidding phase that could define the future of India’s unmanned aerial ecosystem.
Why RPAs Matter for Modern Warfare
Remotely Piloted Aircraft have become indispensable to 21st-century military operations. They offer extended endurance, real-time intelligence, and strike precision without risking the lives of pilots. The MALE category, operating at an altitude of around 30,000 feet with an endurance of over 24 hours, is ideal for missions such as border surveillance, target tracking, coastal patrol, and battlefield reconnaissance.
The Indian Armed Forces’ long-term Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) outlines the acquisition of more than 670 unmanned systems over the next 15 years, ranging from small tactical drones to High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) and Combat RPAs. These systems will be equipped with electro-optical sensors, maritime radar, satellite communication (satcom) links, and electronic intelligence payloads, giving commanders unprecedented situational awareness and operational flexibility.
A Push for Self-Reliance
The L&T–GA-ASI joint venture marks an important step in localising high-end defence manufacturing. With significant technology transfer expected, India is poised to gain valuable expertise in critical areas, including aerostructures, avionics integration, and ground control systems. The project is also seen as a strategic enabler for future exports of indigenous RPAs, helping India position itself as a credible player in the global unmanned systems market.
“Our collaboration with L&T reinforces GA-ASI’s commitment to support India’s vision for self-reliance,” said Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation. “By combining our proven technology with L&T’s robust manufacturing ecosystem, we aim to deliver high-performance RPAs that strengthen India’s operational readiness.”
Global Context and Emerging Players
Globally, major aerospace players such as Airbus, with its Eurodrone MALE platform, are pushing similar capabilities in Europe. The race underscores how unmanned systems are redefining air power doctrines and industrial partnerships worldwide.
Team BharatShakti
