L&T signs pact with US co to build MALE drones for Indian armed forces

Larsen & Tourbo (L&T) on Friday announced a deal with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to manufacture unmanned aircraft systems for Indian armed forces.

Under the pact, the two entities will together manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India. The deal combines L&T's extensive engineering, precision manufacturing and system integration capabilities in defence and aerospace and the operational expertise of GA-ASI.

L&T is said to participate in the upcoming 87 MALE RPAS programme of the Ministry of Defence acting as the prime bidder along with GA-ASI as the technology partner.


The partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of a self-reliant defence ecosystem, strengthening Indo-US defence collaboration and fostering a competitive, globally integrated aerospace manufacturing base, the company said in a regulatory filing.

The collaboration will enable the production of combat-proven GA-ASI’s MQ-series RPAS that are widely operational across the globe with millions of flight hours in surveillance and strike missions.

"This partnership offers India a unique opportunity to manufacture state-of-theart unmanned platforms indigenously," S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director, L&T, said. "We are proud to join hands with GA-ASI, a recognised world leader in this domain, and are confident that this alliance will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities and advance self-reliance in aerospace technologies."

Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation hailed the collaboration saying that it exemplifies the company's commitment to supporting India’s vision for self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing in aerospace.

"By combining GA-ASI’s proven technology with L&T’s robust manufacturing expertise, we aim to deliver cutting-edge MALE RPAS solutions that will enhance the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces and contribute to a strong, sustainable defence ecosystem in India," he added.



L&T share price: Shares of Larsen & Tourbo (L&T) were trading at Rs 4,017.00 (+29.20) per scrip as on 10:19 on October 31, 2025.

L&T has previously partnered with DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces in the development of defence products, systems and platforms across land, sea and air operations. The company has manufacturing facilities for Weapon Delivery systems and engineering systems, aerospace solutions and naval platforms for the armed forces.

Its offerings for ocean-going defence vehicles include frontline warships, submarines, auxiliary vessels and special naval platforms.