L&T partners with US firm GA-ASI to manufacture unmanned aircraft systems for Indian Army

Indian infrastructure and engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered into a strategic agreement with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to jointly manufacture unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the Indian Army, marking a major boost to India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

Under the collaboration, L&T and GA-ASI will produce Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India. These advanced drones will significantly enhance the Army’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical operations, particularly across difficult terrains and border areas.

L&T, one of India’s largest technology, engineering, and construction conglomerates, has been increasingly expanding its footprint in the defence sector. The company’s cutting-edge engineering, precision manufacturing, and system integration strengths will complement GA-ASI’s operational and technological expertise in unmanned systems.

This partnership aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, fostering indigenous defence production and reducing dependency on imports. The domestically manufactured unmanned aircraft are expected to strengthen India’s aerial surveillance capabilities, support real-time intelligence gathering, and assist in logistics and vehicle coordination across remote military zones.

Industry experts view the tie-up as a crucial step toward enhancing India’s defence self-reliance and positioning L&T as a key player in next-generation military technology manufacturing.