A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been formalized between Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) and VEDA Aeronautics Private Limited to collaborate on the development of advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and high-speed aerial weapon systems.
In India’s aerospace and defense industry environment, the pact represents an important turning point.
The goal of the partnership is to develop domestic aerospace capabilities by utilizing the complementing assets of both companies.
Bharat Forge supplies its advanced design and production skills in micro-jet propulsion systems, while VEDA Aeronautics brings specialized knowledge in unmanned system technologies. The companies work together to increase India’s independence in defense design, research, and manufacturing.
According to the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding, Bharat Forge would provide VEDA’s UAV and aerial weapon platforms with locally produced tiny jet engines.
These include thrust-class micro-jet engines weighing 40 kgf and 45 kgf, which are currently in mass production. Additionally, the business revealed that it is working on a more potent 400 kgf thrust engine for next-generation unmanned aerial systems that will be used in Indian defense.
The collaboration demonstrates the company’s dedication to the Atmanirbhar Bharat national effort, according to Guru Biswal, CEO of Bharat Forge’s Aerospace Division.
He stated that BFL’s aerospace division is concentrated on developing innovative local propulsion solutions to meet both domestic needs and global defense markets. These advancements are essential for warfare areas that are prepared for the future and involve precise attack systems and fast autonomous platforms.
VEDA Aeronautics’ Managing Director, Dipesh Gupta, expressed optimism that the agreement would hasten the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge aerial systems suited to contemporary military requirements.
He emphasized that India’s capacity to build tactical UAVs, loyal wingman concepts, and airborne weaponized drones will be greatly increased by combining VEDA’s unmanned platform design with Bharat Forge’s demonstrated propulsion competence.
Both businesses see the partnership as a critical step toward lowering dependency on foreign propulsion technologies and as a key enabler of India’s defense industrial base.
The collaboration complements the work of state-run defense facilities and shows a developing synergy between business and military goals, reflecting a growing trend of private-sector-led innovation within the Indian aerospace ecosystem.
