Strategic Collaboration Announcement
Bharat Forge Ltd. and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a collaboration to evaluate the integration of advanced turboprop engines into India's indigenous high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program. The UAV is designed and developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Collaboration Structure and Roles
- Pratt & Whitney Canada will evaluate engine compatibility, performance, and installation requirements for the HALE UAV programme
- Bharat Forge will lead engine-airframe integration, including installation design and systems interfaces
- The collaboration leverages Bharat Forge's advanced engineering, manufacturing, and aerospace systems capabilities
- Pratt & Whitney Canada's turboprop engines are noted for their proven legacy of reliability in demanding operational environments
Strategic Context and Objectives
- The collaboration supports India's indigenous unmanned aerial systems efforts under the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative
- Aims to support development of a world-class HALE platform that strengthens India's strategic self-reliance and defense preparedness
- HALE UAVs provide long-endurance surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities across land and maritime domains
Management Commentary
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd. stated: "Bharat Forge Aerospace business is proud to collaborate with Pratt & Whitney Canada to advance India's indigenous aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities. By combining Pratt & Whitney's globally proven propulsion technologies with Bharat Forge's engineering and systems integration expertise, we aim to support development of a world-class HALE platform."
Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Head, Pratt & Whitney stated: "This collaboration with Bharat Forge reflects our continued commitment to supporting India's aerospace and defense ambitions. Pratt & Whitney Canada's turboprop engines have a proven legacy of reliability in demanding operational environments, which is exactly what's needed for India's HALE program."
Company Background
Bharat Forge Limited is described as a Pune-based multinational company and technology-driven global leader in providing innovative, high-performance and safety-critical components and solutions across automotive, aerospace, defence, rail, marine, energy and industrial sectors. Bharat Forge Aerospace focuses on the design, development and manufacture of critical aerospace, defence and marine systems, structures and components.