Made-in-India Combat Drones: V-BAT Production to Begin Soon
By concluding a high-impact agreement with US-based Shield AI for the acquisition and domestic production of the cutting-edge V-BAT combat drones, India is set to take a revolutionary step in its defense manufacturing journey. This historic agreement not only covers procurement but also represents a unique and noteworthy example of complete technology transfer from the US, which bolsters India’s determination to move away from traditional arms imports and toward co-development and capability-building at home.
The agreement is part of a $4.5 billion emergency procurement program that was started as a quick Indian response to growing regional threats, Operation Sindoor. A $35 million emergency procurement contract to provide drones to the Indian Air Force is at the heart of the V-BAT deal. Although this first order exceeds the maximum emergency acquisition limits established by the Indian Ministry of Defense, it is just the start of a larger industrial partnership.
The creation of a $90 million joint venture between Shield AI and JSW Defence, a division of India’s JSW Group, is a significant highlight of this collaboration. Through a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement, the V-BAT system will be assembled, tested, and eventually manufactured in India as part of this JV. Establishing a compliant production facility, employing and educating Indian technicians, and putting in place quality assurance systems that adhere to international standards are all part of the investment.
Elite U.S. military units are already using the V-BAT drone system, which is renowned for its compact design, fixed-wing endurance, and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability. It can be quickly deployed in high-risk combat zones and has been widely used in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. It offers ground troops, special forces, and artillery real-time battlefield support.
Targeting friendly countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, this initiative aims to not only meet India’s internal defense needs but also to establish the nation as a global export hub for the V-BAT platform. This is in line with the Indian government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” mission, which places a strong emphasis on homegrown manufacturing and defense technology leadership.
India keeps improving its battlefield readiness as the V-BAT program advances. Parallel to this, the Indian Army has begun using Boeing’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters; the first three of six units are currently stationed close to the western border. India’s operational depth and readiness in sensitive sectors are greatly increased by these helicopters’ improved precision-strike capabilities, sophisticated radar systems, and night vision.
India has also filed a Letter of Request (LoR) for the co-production of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system, further strengthening its strategic alliance with the US. A vital tool for infantry operations against armored threats, the third-generation missile is renowned for its fire-and-forget targeting. Should the agreement come to pass, it would be yet another significant turning point in India’s defense diplomacy, which is centered on Made-in-India.
These overlapping events—the request for co-production of the Javelin missile, the introduction of the Apache helicopter, and the V-BAT drone manufacturing venture—signalize a significant change in India’s defense approach. India is quickly changing its role in times of conflict from being a traditional buyer to a manufacturer and exporter of advanced military technology.
These initiatives reflect India’s shift toward strategic autonomy, operational agility, and domestic defense innovation in an era characterized by multi-domain warfare. The momentum created by these partnerships goes beyond simply purchasing hardware; it also focuses on developing a defense industrial base that can help achieve long-term security and deterrence objectives.
In light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions across India’s borders, these historic agreements demonstrate a developing defense ecosystem ready to take on new challenges through production, collaboration, and purpose as well as procurement.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
