General Atomics, Bharat Forge to manufacture aerostructures in India; GA CEO had met PM Modi in US last year

New Delhi, Jan 5: In a major move to boost manufacturing in India, US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Bharat Forge announced a partnership to manufacture main landing gear components, subassemblies, and assemblies of remotely piloted aircraft.

 

The move is expected to result in significant capability-building for both companies and provide an impetus to the Indian large, unmanned aircraft industry. It will also help India develop a manufacturing ecosystem for high-end drones.

 

With over five decades of experience in manufacturing a wide range of high-performance, critical safety components, Bharat Forge offers full-service supply capability from concept to product design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and validation, a media release said.

 

Notably, in September 2022, the chief executive officer of General Atomics, Vivek Lall had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed technology and the potential that India has as an investment destination. At that time, PM Modi met with the heads of major companies in the US including GA.

 

 

In a press release of General Atomics, Dr. Vivek Lall, said, "GA-ASI is eagerly looking forward to working with Bharat Forge in the critical field of aerostructure manufacturing."

 

“Bharat Forge’s expertise in the field of forging is known globally, and their outstanding contributions in the aerospace sector has inspired us to work together for building the next generation of the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles," he further added.

 

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited, said, "Aerospace is a high ‘Technology Intensive’ domain, which relies on Product Integrity, Reliability, and Zero Defect.’ This is a culture by itself and demands a strong focus on people and processes. As part of our Aerospace Growth Strategy, our collaboration with GA-ASI is a strong testimony of our culture in Bharat Forge Aerospace to assimilate and demonstrate the same, as partners to General Atomics, in making India Atmanirbhar."