Bharat Forge, Pratt & Whitney join forces for DRDO’s defense drone 'UAV' program

Bharat Forge Ltd on Tuesday announced its collaboration with aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney Canada to evaluate integration of advanced turboprop engines into a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, designed and developed by DRDO.

As part of this agreement, Pratt & Whitney Canada will evaluate engine compatibility, performance and installation requirements while Bharat Forge will lead engine-airframe integration, including installation design and systems interfaces, drawing on its advanced engineering, manufacturing and aerospace systems capabilities, the company in a regulatory filing.

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"By combining Pratt & Whitney's globally proven propulsion technologies with Bharat Forge's engineering and systems integration expertise, we aim to support development of a world-class HALE platform that strengthens India's strategic self-reliance and defence preparedness," said Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd.

HALE UAVs provide long-endurance surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance across land and maritime domains, according to the company.

"This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to supporting India's aerospace and defence ambitions. Pratt & Whitney Canada's turboprop engines have a proven legacy of reliability in demanding operational environments, which is exactly what's needed for India's HALE program," said Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Head, Pratt & Whitney.