JSW Defence Pvt Ltd, a company under the US$23 billion JSW Group, has kicked off construction of its upcoming next-generation Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) facility at EMC Maheshwaram in Hyderabad. The company has entered a long-term technology transfer and licensing partnership with Shield AI, a leading defence tech firm from the United States, to build its Group 3 VBAT UAS in India.
Under this collaboration, the JSW Group will invest roughly US$90 million to set up a global compliance framework, a manufacturing unit to support licensed technologies, and training programmes for skilled personnel. This investment will help JSW establish an indigenous supply chain and create a state-of-the-art centre for producing, assembling and testing the V-BAT platform. The facility will support high-volume production for India’s defence requirements while also serving as an international manufacturing hub.
Production of the VBAT at the new plant is expected to begin in the final quarter of 2026. The foundation stone for the site was laid by Parth Jindal of the JSW Group, in the presence of Telangana’s Minister for IT, E&C and Industries & Commerce, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, along with senior government officials, representatives from Shield AI, and members of the Indian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Jindal said this development marks a significant stride in India’s quest for self-reliance in advanced defence systems. He noted that the collaboration with Shield AI aims to bring world-class unmanned capabilities to India, while creating a complete, future-ready UAS ecosystem — from manufacturing to training, MRO services, and ongoing innovation. He described the initiative as one of the most substantial defence technology transfers to India and a key step toward positioning the country as a leader in unmanned aircraft technologies.
Sarjan Shah, Managing Director for Shield AI in India, highlighted that the partnership will build a robust domestic production ecosystem for the VBAT. He said the facility reflects the shared vision of the JSW Group and Shield AI to enhance Indo-US defence ties, driven by openness, trust and aligned strategic goals. He added that JSW’s scale and industrial capability make it an ideal partner for expanding the global reach of the V-BAT platform.
The V-BAT is a fixed-wing, VTOL, long-endurance ISR aircraft currently used by several militaries, including the United States Marine Expeditionary Units. Its patented ducted design, small logistical footprint and rapid deployment capability make it suitable for complex operational environments. The platform is built to support special forces, frontline infantry, armoured formations and artillery units with versatile ISR capabilities. Its introduction in India is expected to significantly boost the country’s unmanned warfare capabilities.Aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, the project is set to strengthen Telangana’s industrial landscape, generate high-skilled jobs and reinforce India’s national security framework.
The JSW Group, valued at US$23 billion, is among India’s fastest-growing business houses with operations spanning steel, energy, infrastructure, defence, cement, paints, venture capital and sports. Its flagship company, JSW Steel, is the country’s largest steel producer with a capacity of 29.7 MTPA. Through JSW Gecko Motors, JSW Defence currently builds the “JSW ATOR” specialist mobility vehicle for the Indian Army. With nearly 40,000 employees across India, the USA, Europe and Africa, the Group is also known for its strong community development initiatives around its plant and port locations.
