Bharat Forge Collaborates with Windracers to Enhance UAV Capabilities in India

Bharat Forge, a company known for forging and advanced engineering, has entered into an agreement with Windracers Limited, a UK-based autonomous cargo drone manufacturer. This collaboration focuses on deploying and localising Windracers' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ULTRA across India. The agreement was signed at the DSEI UK 2025 global defence exhibition in London.

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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Forge and Windracers aims to enhance UAV capabilities in India. It supports innovation, technology transfer, and strategic aerospace applications in the defence sector. The MoU is initially set for two years, allowing both companies to work on localisation, conduct joint trials, and establish a definitive deployment agreement in India.

Focus on Aerospace Technology Transfer

This partnership aligns with the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), promoting aerospace technology transfer and innovation between the two nations. It also supports the India-UK Vision 2035 goals. Amit Kalyani, Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, highlighted that Windracers' ULTRA enhances India's indigenous UAV capabilities and offers robust solutions for logistics in challenging geographies.

The UAV has demonstrated resilience and reliability in international operations, including Antarctic research missions. It is expected to bring similar benefits to India by enabling safe transport over hazardous terrains. With a leading payload capacity and performance in high-altitude, maritime, and remote areas, Windracers' UAV is well-suited for tri-service needs across naval, air, and land domains.

Strategic Benefits for Defence and Civil Sectors

The collaboration aims to address emerging requirements in India's military and civil sectors using ULTRA's capabilities. This includes Carrier On Board Delivery (COD) operations for the Indian Navy and critical logistics for the Indian Army and Air Force. The UAV's adaptability aligns with the Indian Ministry of Defence's 15-year roadmap prioritising unmanned logistics and dual-use technologies.

Simon Muderack, CEO of Windracers, stated that partnering with Bharat Forge marks a significant step in expanding ULTRA's dual-use operations. The partnership will leverage years of research, development, testing, and operation of ULTRA to deliver strategic benefits and operational autonomy for India's defence and civil stakeholders.

Overall, this collaboration between Bharat Forge and Windracers is poised to advance UAV technology in India. It aims to support both defence and civil sectors by providing innovative solutions tailored to India's unique geographical challenges.

With inputs from PTI