JSW Defence Begins Construction of Advanced UAS Manufacturing Hub in Hyderabad!

JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., part of the US$23 billion JSW Group, has officially commenced work on its next-generation Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) manufacturing hub at EMC Maheshwaram in Hyderabad. This marks a major step in India’s push toward self-reliance in advanced defence technologies and strengthens Indo-US collaboration in high-end unmanned systems. The project is anchored by a long-term technology transfer and licensing partnership with Shield AI, a prominent U.S. defence technology company, enabling the production of its Group 3 V-BAT UAS platform in India.

Under this strategic partnership, the JSW Group will invest approximately US$90 million to build a comprehensive global compliance framework, establish a cutting-edge manufacturing unit, and develop specialized training programs to build a skilled workforce. This investment aims to support licensed technologies, create an indigenous supply chain and build a world-class centre for manufacturing, assembling and testing the V-BAT system. In addition to meeting India’s defence needs, the facility is planned to serve as an international hub for high-volume UAS production.

Production of the V-BAT at the Hyderabad plant is expected to begin by the final quarter of 2026. The foundation stone of the new facility was laid by Parth Jindal of the JSW Group, alongside Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s Minister for IT, E&C and Industries & Commerce. Senior government officials, Shield AI representatives and officers from the Indian Armed Forces were present, underscoring the significance of the project for India’s defence ecosystem.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Parth Jindal highlighted that the initiative represents a major leap toward India’s ambitions of building indigenous advanced defence platforms. He emphasized that the partnership with Shield AI will deliver world-class unmanned capabilities to India while fostering a complete UAS ecosystem, including manufacturing, MRO services, training and ongoing innovation. Jindal described the technology transfer as one of the most significant defence collaborations for India, positioning the nation as a future leader in unmanned aviation technologies.

Sarjan Shah, Managing Director for Shield AI in India, stressed that the collaboration will create a robust domestic production ecosystem for the V-BAT platform. He noted that the project reflects the shared vision of JSW and Shield AI to strengthen Indo-US defence ties based on trust, strategic alignment and industrial capability. He added that JSW’s scale and expertise make it the ideal partner to expand the global footprint of the V-BAT system.

The V-BAT is a cutting-edge, fixed-wing, VTOL, long-endurance ISR aircraft currently operated by several militaries, including U.S. Marine Expeditionary Units. It features a patented ducted design, minimal logistical footprint and rapid deployment capability, making it ideal for complex, high-risk operational environments. The platform provides versatile ISR support to special forces, frontline infantry, armour units and artillery formations. Its deployment in India is expected to significantly advance the nation’s unmanned warfare capabilities.

Aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, the JSW–Shield AI initiative will strengthen Telangana’s industrial ecosystem, create high-skilled jobs and contribute to India’s national security by building advanced defence systems within the country.