JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., part of the US$ 23 billion JSW Group, has begun building its next-generation Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) facility at EMC Maheshwaram, Hyderabad. The company has partnered with US-based defence tech firm Shield AI to locally manufacture the Group 3 VBAT drone under a long-term Transfer of Technology agreement.
The JSW Group will invest about US$ 90 million to set up a global compliance program, establish the manufacturing plant, train specialised talent, and build a local supply chain. The facility will support manufacturing, assembly, and testing of the VBAT, positioning India as a future production hub for domestic and international markets. Production is expected to start in late 2026.
The foundation stone was laid by Mr. Parth Jindal, in the presence of Telangana Industries Minister Shri D. Sridhar Babu, state officials, Shield AI representatives, and members of the Indian Armed Forces.
Parth Jindal said the project marks a major step toward India’s defence self-reliance and will help create a complete UAS ecosystem—from manufacturing to training, MRO, and long-term innovation. Shield AI’s India Managing Director, Sarjan Shah, said the collaboration strengthens Indo-US defence cooperation and will build a robust indigenous production base for the VBAT.
The VBAT, a fixed-wing VTOL drone known for its long endurance and ISR capabilities, is deployed by several militaries, including the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Units. Its ducted-fan design enables rapid deployment, minimal logistics, and effective use in complex operational environments.
The new facility aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and is expected to boost Telangana’s industrial landscape, create skilled jobs, and enhance India’s national security capabilities.
