By A Correspondent

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Indian major Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) and VEDA Aeronautics Private Limited (VEDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and other High-Speed Aerial Weapon Systems used in the battlefield for India’s armed forces.

While VEDA Aeronautics, an Indian aerospace and defence company involved in unmanned systems development and supply, has been shaping the unmanned system technology for defence services, BFL will supply the micro jet engines used in these unmanned systems, a statement from the companies said on Feb. 13, 2025, on the occasion of AeroIndia 2025.

“The MoU is expected to play a vital role in leveraging each other’s capabilities to strengthen India’s defence capabilities and contributing to national self-reliance,” the statement said.

“This MoU with VEDA is a testimony of our commitment to work for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ and to create niche technologies that shall support Indian and global requirements in the evolving technological landscape of warfare,” Bharat Forge’s chief executive officer for aerospace division Guru Biswal said.

“BFL will focus on indigenous development of jet engines up to 400 kgf thrust to power the unmanned systems developed for Indian defence forces. The 40 kgf and 45 kgf engines developed by BFL are under serial production and will be used by VEDA for all defence projects,” Biswal added.

“We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with BFL aerospace which will supply small jet engines for all defence & other unmanned system projects of VEDA Aeronautics,” VEDA Aeronautics managing director Dipesh Gupta said.

“This endeavor underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, heralding a new era of technological advancement and strategic prowess in the aerospace domain specific to Long Range Combat UAV Systems, High-Speed Aerial Targets, and Multi Barrel Launched Jet-Based UAV Systems,” he added.

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