By Chaitali Bag
India is on the cusp of revolutionizing its defence capabilities with a landmark development in indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. In a move that is both ambitious and visionary, Bharat Forge Ltd., a preeminent player in India’s defence and manufacturing sector, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French defence powerhouse Turgis & Gaillard on the second day of the Paris International Airshow 2025. Together, they will co-develop and manufacture the cutting-edge AAROK Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV in India—an inspiring stride forward for the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.
The AAROK UAV embodies the fusion of European design excellence with Indian innovation and industrial might. This partnership is not merely a transfer of technology; it is a powerhouse collaboration aimed at building a globally competitive, export-ready unmanned aerial platform that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. The decision to domestically produce the AAROK UAV marks a transformative shift for India’s growing UAV ecosystem, propelling the country into the elite club of nations that both design and manufacture advanced MALE-class drones.
What makes AAROK truly special? It is engineered to deliver state-of-the-art capability at impressively low acquisition and deployment costs. With the ability to fly at high altitudes for over 24 hours, AAROK can conduct long-range surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions without respite. Its robust suite of electromagnetic sensors and radar equips the Indian armed forces with the tools needed to monitor adversaries effectively while staying safely outside the reach of enemy air defences. The UAV’s seamless connectivity with command and control systems enables real-time data sharing, critical for establishing accurate and up-to-date tactical situations on dynamic battlefields.
But AAROK is not just about intelligence gathering. With a formidable weapon payload of more than 1.5 tonnes, it can deliver decisive strikes from afar, disrupting enemy defences and neutralizing high-value targets, including air defence systems deep behind enemy lines. This multirole capability transforms AAROK into a true force multiplier, supporting India’s efforts to secure airspace, land, and even maritime boundaries. Its persistent endurance will be crucial in asserting sovereignty over India’s territorial waters, detecting incursions, and monitoring suspicious activities—a powerful deterrent against any potential threats.
Bharat Forge’s commitment to establishing a dedicated AAROK production line in India further cements the project’s significance. As a global leader in high-performance engineering and with expertise in managing complex manufacturing programs, Bharat Forge brings not only industrial might but also a deep understanding of the unique requirements of the Indian armed forces. By localizing production, India will secure sovereignty over key maintenance and overhaul operations, ensuring responsiveness and preparedness in critical situations.
This collaboration is more than just a contract—it is a bold statement of intent. With Turgis Gaillard’s advanced UAV technology and Bharat Forge’s proven manufacturing expertise, Indian defense capabilities are set to scale new heights. The AAROK MALE UAV symbolizes a new era where the Indian military can rely on locally produced, advanced, and scalable solutions tailored for the challenges of modern warfare.
This development delivers a resounding message to the world: India is not just a market for technology but a creator and exporter of it. The AAROK project is a stellar leap toward self-reliance, technological innovation, and global competitiveness in the defence and aerospace sector. As the production lines are set and the first Indian-made AAROK MALE UAVs take to the skies, the entire nation can take pride in this historic stride—a testament to what is possible when vision, collaboration, and determination come together.
The indigenous production of the AAROK UAV is not just a milestone for India’s defence industry but a shining beacon of the country’s relentless pursuit of progress, self-reliance, and technological leadership on the global stage. The future of Indian UAVs is not only bright—it is about to soar!
