Aerostructures manufacturing deal could smooth path to Indian MQ-9B purchase
India could procure as many as 30 MQ-9Bs for its army, navy and air force. (Photo: US DoD)
General Atomics' strategic partnership with India's Bharat Forge could pave the way to Delhi's long-awaited order of 30 MQ-9Bs.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced a strategic partnership with India's Bharat Forge to manufacture aerostructures for its remotely piloted aircraft.
Under the deal, the Indian company will manufacture main landing gear components, subassemblies and assemblies.
The manufacturing agreement is likely tied to India's tri-service intentions to acquire the GA-ASI MQ-9B.
Related Articles
General Atomics launches STOL capable MQ-9B
RAF accepts first MQ-9B Protector from GA-ASI
MQ-9B Reapers are still on the cards for India’s navy
In November 2020, the Indian Navy leased two MQ-9B Sky Guardians on a one-year contract. This lease deal was later extended to mid-2024.
In the same year, Delhi revealed plans for a tri-service acquisition of 30 MQ-9Bs, which would see the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force receive ten aircraft apiece.
The US government has agreed to sell aircraft to India twice, first in 2016 under the Obama presidency and then again in 2018 under the Trump administration.
Shephard Defence Insight forecasts that the Indian procurement of 30 MQ-9Bs will be worth around $1.51 billion.
The agreement between GA-ASI and Bharat Forge could ease the procurement effort, helping satisfy India's 'Make In India' defence policy.
General Atomics chief executive Dr Vivek Lall said the UAV maker was 'looking forward' to working with Bharat Forge, adding that the Indian firm's expertise was globally recognised.
GA-ASI said it was confident the collaboration would result in 'significant' capability building for both companies and 'provide an impetus' to India's large UAS industry.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
