Bharat Forge and Windracers Team Up to Revolutionize UAV Operations in India: Key Highlights from DSEI UK 2025 – Punekar News

Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), India’s leading forging and advanced engineering group, has teamed up with Windracers Limited, a UK firm known for its cutting-edge heavy-lift drones. They recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London at DSEI UK 2025. This collaboration aims to bring the Windracers ULTRA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to India.

This partnership is fueled by the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), focusing on sharing aerospace technology. It’s a step towards achieving the goals outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035. The agreement lasts for two years, offering both companies a chance to work together, conduct tests, and plan for further initiatives in India.

Bharat Forge and Windracers plan to leverage the ULTRA drone’s capabilities to meet the needs of both military and civilian sectors in India. Key applications include logistics support for the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force, particularly in challenging environments.

Amit Kalyani, Joint MD of Bharat Forge, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He highlighted that the ULTRA drone not only strengthens India’s UAV capabilities but also offers practical solutions for complex logistics across diverse terrains. With its impressive payload capacity and proven performance in tough conditions, the ULTRA is positioned to meet India’s defense demands effectively.

The ULTRA drone has already shown its reliability in international operations, such as supporting research in Antarctica. Its ability to navigate challenging terrain could similarly benefit India by providing safe and efficient transport.

Windracers CEO Simon Muderack noted that partnering with Bharat Forge is a significant move for both companies. They plan to use the extensive research and development behind the ULTRA to improve operational capabilities for India.

With an endurance of six to seven hours, the ULTRA drone features advanced mission control systems. It’s designed to function in various environments, from India’s coastal areas to the heights of the Himalayas and remote northeastern regions.

This MoU reflects both companies’ commitment to advancing UAV technologies in India, fostering innovation, and enhancing strategic applications in defense.

Additional Insights

Expert Opinions: Industry experts believe that collaborations like this are crucial for India’s defense modernization. According to Dr. Rakesh Sharma, a defense technology analyst, “Leveraging cutting-edge UAV technology can significantly boost India’s logistical capabilities, especially in remote and hostile environments.”

Statistics: Recent reports from the Indian Ministry of Defence predict an annual growth rate of 8-10% in UAV investments, highlighting the increasing importance of unmanned aerial systems in military and civilian contexts.

Historical Context: Looking back, India’s defense technology has evolved from relying heavily on imports to fostering homegrown innovations in aerospace. This partnership represents a meaningful shift towards self-reliance and technological independence, aligning with initiatives like “Make in India.”

The collaboration between Bharat Forge and Windracers is not just a business deal; it’s a pivotal moment that could reshape India’s approach to unmanned logistics.

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