In a major boost to India’s unmanned aviation ecosystem, JSW Defence has launched construction of a $90-million V-BAT drone manufacturing plant in Hyderabad through a strategic partnership with US defense technology firm Shield AI. The facility, located at the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Maheshwaram, will host advanced lines for the manufacture, assembly, and testing of the V-BAT unmanned aerial system. JSW Defence confirmed that production activities are planned to begin by late 2026, marking a significant milestone for domestic UAV capability development.
The project is anchored by a comprehensive transfer-of-technology agreement, granting JSW Defence the rights to fully build the V-BAT system in India and establish an indigenous supply chain for components and maintenance. This investment will also help create a robust foundation for global compliance processes, licensing infrastructure, and specialized workforce development, ensuring the facility meets international standards for defense production.
The V-BAT unmanned aerial system is recognized globally for its unique combination of fixed-wing efficiency and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) functionality. Actively used by the US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard, the aircraft is designed for high-end ISR missions in contested or remote environments. Its compact size—approximately 9 feet (3 meters) in length—allows it to be transported easily by vehicle or helicopter and deployed by just two trained personnel within 20 minutes.
Despite weighing only 125 pounds (57 kilograms), the V-BAT is powered by a 24-horsepower engine, enabling a top speed of 56 miles (90 kilometers) per hour and a maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters). With the capacity to carry payloads up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms), the aircraft is well-suited for multi-role missions, making it a valuable addition to India’s emerging unmanned systems manufacturing sector.
