Shield AI Partners With Indian Firm to Manufacture V-BAT Drones Locally

Shield AI has joined forces with India‘s JSW Defence to produce their advanced V-BAT drones in India, marking a significant step in Indo-US defense collaboration, according to The Defense Post.

Major Investment in Local Production

JSW Group is putting serious money into this venture – we’re talking $90 million over two years, with most of it ($65 million) coming in year one. They’re not just building drones; they’re creating an entire ecosystem with manufacturing facilities, training programs, and a local supply chain.

The V-BAT’s Impressive Capabilities

The V-BAT isn’t your average drone. It’s a fixed-wing VTOL aircraft that’s changing the game in military surveillance and reconnaissance. What makes it special? It can stay in the air for up to 12 hours and only needs two people to get it flying. “The entire process, from unpacking to airborne, takes less than 20 minutes,” with incredibly quick transitions from hover to forward flight.

Strategic Partnership Benefits

Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, shared his enthusiasm:

“We’re excited to enhance the Indo-US strategic partnership through collaboration with JSW Group, strengthening our commitment to deploy cutting-edge UAS technology globally and harness India’s vast engineering and manufacturing talent.”

Versatile Military Applications

The V-BAT is designed to support various military operations, from special forces missions to front-line infantry support. Its ducted fan design and VTOL capabilities make it particularly valuable for forces needing quick deployment and extended surveillance capabilities.

DroneXL’s Take

Looking at the bigger picture, this partnership represents a growing trend in drone industry collaborations between major global powers. The V-BAT’s advanced AI capabilities and versatile design make it a perfect fit for modern military operations, especially in challenging terrains where traditional aircraft might struggle. This development could significantly influence how military drones are manufactured and deployed globally.

What do you think about this international collaboration in military drone production? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Photos courtesy of Shield AI.