Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) have signed an agreement to jointly build Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones in India. The partnership comes as the Indian armed forces consider a procurement of 87 MALE drones under the Defence Ministry’s upcoming project.
L&T To Lead Bid, GA-ASI As Technology Partner
Under the collaboration, L&T will act as the lead bidder for the Defence Ministry’s 87 MALE RPAS project, while GA-ASI will serve as the technology partner, sharing its expertise in advanced unmanned aerial systems. GA-ASI’s MQ-series drones have already proven their mettle in surveillance and strike missions worldwide, logging millions of flight hours across various terrains and combat zones.
‘A Step Towards Defence Self-Reliance’
L&T CEO S.N. Subrahmanyan said the partnership marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of indigenous defence production, allowing the country to locally manufacture advanced drones and enhance its surveillance and strike capabilities.
GA-ASI CEO Dr. Vivek Lall added that the collaboration would combine American drone technology with Indian engineering and production expertise, creating a reliable MALE drone platform for India’s armed forces.
Strengthening Indo-US Defence Cooperation
The agreement aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and the growing Indo-US strategic defence partnership. The project aims to enhance India’s border surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational preparedness along sensitive frontiers.
A high-level Defence Ministry meeting is expected soon to finalize the ₹20,000-crore project led by the Indian Air Force, which will oversee acquisition and deployment across all three services.
