JSW Defence, a Chandigarh-based private defense contractor, has officially begun construction of a new $90-million manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to locally produce the V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS) in collaboration with US-based Shield AI. The upcoming plant is situated at the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Maheshwaram, where it will be responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and testing the advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. According to the company, production is expected to commence by late 2026.
The new V-BAT production line is supported by a long-term transfer-of-technology (ToT) agreement, enabling JSW Defence to fully build the platform within India and establish a local supply ecosystem. This strategic investment aims to strengthen India’s ambitions for defense indigenization, while also enabling compliance with international regulatory standards and licensing frameworks. JSW added that the project will also include workforce training and competency development initiatives to support future manufacturing requirements.
Shield AI’s V-BAT drone, known for its distinctive fixed-wing design with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, is already deployed by major global operators, including the US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard. The compact system measures about 9 feet (3 meters) and can be transported using a pickup truck or helicopter, making it ideal for rapid field deployment. Two operators can prepare the UAS for launch in just 20 minutes, and it can carry payloads up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms).
Powered by a 24-horsepower engine, the V-BAT weighs 125 pounds (57 kilograms) and can achieve a maximum speed of 56 miles (90 kilometers) per hour, with a service ceiling reaching 20,000 feet (6,096 meters). Its modular design, ease of transport, and proven ISR capabilities make it a highly sought-after system for both military and security operations worldwide.
