JSW and Shield AI Partner for UAS Manufacturing in India

JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd. has formed a strategic partnership with US-based Shield AI, Inc. to manufacture the V-BAT, a Group 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), in India, marking a significant step towards enhancing India's defense capabilities. The collaboration involves an investment of approximately $90 million over the next two years, with $65 million designated for the first year to establish a manufacturing facility, a local supply chain, and training programs. The V-BAT is a fixed-wing, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, currently in use by various armed forces globally. This initiative aims to supply indigenous V-BATs to the Indian Armed Forces and position India as a global production hub for Shield AI’s technology. Parth Jindal of JSW Group highlighted the partnership's role in indigenizing critical defense technology and improving operational capabilities. The collaboration is seen as a vital move within the broader context of Indo-US defense relations.