In a major move to boost manufacturing in India, US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Bharat Forge have announced a partnership to manufacture main landing gear components, subassemblies, and assemblies of remotely piloted aircraft.

The move is expected to result in significant capability-building for both companies and provide an impetus to the Indian large, unmanned aircraft industry.

Further, the partnership will also help India to develop a manufacturing ecosystem for high-end drones.

“GA-ASI is eagerly looking forward to working with Bharat Forge in the critical field of aerostructure manufacturing,” Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation said in a statement on Tuesday (3 January).

“Bharat Forge’s expertise in the field of forging is known globally, and their outstanding contributions in the aerospace sector has inspired us to work together for building the next generation of the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles," Lall added.

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited, said, “Aerospace is a high ‘Technology Intensive’ domain, which relies on Product Integrity, Reliability, and Zero Defect.’ This is a culture by itself and demands a strong focus on people and processes. As part of our Aerospace Growth Strategy, our collaboration with GA-ASI is a strong testimony of our culture in Bharat Forge Aerospace to assimilate and demonstrate the same, as partners to General Atomics, in making India Atmanirbhar.”

Bharat Forge Limited, which is part of the Kalyani Group, has a state-of-the-art, digitally integrated manufacturing, assembly, and testing facility for aerospace components and systems.

It manufactures structural and engine parts and subsystems for aircraft and engines for both civil and military applications.

The company's portfolio includes aircraft turbine and compressor manufacturing; high-end aero engine components like blades, discs, and shafts; and airframe components, including aircraft landing gear, in keeping with the latest technology and design trends, while maintaining high quality standards.