JSW Defence has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government to set up a cutting-edge facility for the manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the state. This investment, totaling ₹800 crore, will be made through JSW UAV, a fully-owned subsidiary of JSW Defence, in collaboration with US-based defense technology leader, Shield AI, Inc.
JSW UAV’s new manufacturing unit will be established with the help of advanced technology from Shield AI, a global leader in defense innovation. The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum (WEF), with Telangana’s Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and Parth Jindal of JSW Group in attendance.
Strategic Partnership for Defense Innovation
The agreement reinforces JSW Defence’s commitment to contributing to the development and indigenization of defense technologies in India. By leveraging its partnership with Shield AI, JSW aims to manufacture Shield AI’s ‘V-BAT’—a Group 3 UAS known for its advanced capabilities.
Chief Minister Revant Reddy highlighted Telangana’s evolving position as a leader in various high-tech industries, from software and pharmaceuticals to defense and private space sectors. He emphasized the state’s strategic vision for becoming a hub for manufacturing investments.
Strengthening India’s Defense Manufacturing Sector
JSW Defence, part of the USD 24 Billion JSW Group, is committed to enhancing India’s defense capabilities through indigenization and technological partnerships. The new UAS manufacturing unit is expected to play a vital role in bolstering the country’s self-reliance in the defense sector.
The partnership with Shield AI, Inc. will help position Telangana as a key player in the defense manufacturing sector, offering new opportunities for technology transfer, research, and innovation.
