Bharat Forge, Turgis Gaillard Tie Up For High-End Surveillance Drone In India

Bharat Forge Ltd. on Tuesday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with France’s Turgis Gaillard to manufacture the Aarok unmanned aerial vehicle, a high-altitude, long-endurance drone for India’s defence forces.

The drone, classified as a medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAV, can perform long-range surveillance missions and is aimed at strengthening battlefield connectivity, the company said in an exchange filing.

“With AAROK, Turgis Gaillard and Bharat Forge are offering the Indian armed forces an advanced, robust, and scalable UAV designed to act as a force multiplier in a connected battlefield,” the Pune-based company said.

Bharat Forge will set up a production facility for the drone but did not disclose the location. The company said the local manufacturing set-up will support long-term needs of India’s armed forces and ensure full sovereignty over maintenance and overhaul work.