Bharat Forge and VEDA Aeronautics Partner to Develop Advanced UAVs and Aerial Weapons

In a major step toward enhancing India's defence capabilities, Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL) and VEDA Aeronautics (P) Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025 to develop advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and high-speed aerial weapon systems for military applications. This collaboration is a significant move under India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, focusing on the indigenization of critical defence technologies and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Indigenous Microjet Engines for UAVs

A key highlight of this partnership is the integration of BFL’s microjet engines into VEDA Aeronautics' unmanned systems. BFL is developing indigenous jet engines with thrust capabilities of up to 400 kgf, which will be instrumental in powering future UAVs, loitering munitions, and high-speed aerial weapons.

Currently, BFL has 40 kgf and 45 kgf microjet engines in serial production, which will be utilized by VEDA Aeronautics in all its defence projects. These lightweight yet powerful engines will enable longer endurance, higher speed, and enhanced operational flexibility for UAV platforms.

Advanced UAVs and Smart Aerial Weapons

VEDA Aeronautics specializes in developing cutting-edge unmanned aerial and weapon systems integrated with:

• Narrow AI – Enabling autonomous decision-making and improved mission efficiency.
• Electro-optics – Enhancing surveillance, targeting, and real-time situational awareness.
• Robotics – Enabling precision strike capabilities and swarm-based UAV operations.

This partnership will focus on developing next-generation UAVs, loitering munitions, and drone-based aerial attack systems, equipping the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technology to counter evolving battlefield threats.

Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem

The Bharat Forge-VEDA Aeronautics collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies—BFL’s expertise in precision engineering and propulsion systems, and VEDA’s specialization in UAVs and aerial warfare solutions.

This partnership is expected to accelerate the development of indigenous UAVs for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions, strengthening India’s defence self-reliance and global competitiveness in unmanned systems.

With global UAV warfare becoming increasingly sophisticated, this collaboration marks a pivotal step in India's journey toward building a world-class drone warfare ecosystem, making Indian defence forces more agile, self-sufficient, and technologically superior.