Combat-Proven MALE Drones To Be Made In India As L&T Joins Hands With US’ General Atomics

In a major step toward India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Friday (October 31, 2025) announced a partnership with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to jointly manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian armed forces.

Under the agreement, L&T will leverage its precision manufacturing and systems integration expertise, while GA-ASI brings its global experience in unmanned aerial systems, including its combat-proven MQ-series drones. The collaboration is positioned to serve India’s growing need for high-end surveillance and strike-capable UAVs.

MALE drone deal: How will the partnership strengthen defence manufacturing?

The L&T–GA-ASI collaboration is set to play a central role in India’s upcoming 87 MALE RPAS programme under the Ministry of Defence, with L&T likely to act as the prime bidder and GA-ASI as the technology partner. In its regulatory filing, L&T said the partnership “marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of defence self-reliance,” while reinforcing Indo-US defence ties.

The tie-up will enable domestic production of GA-ASI’s MQ-series RPAS, platforms with millions of operational flight hours worldwide in intelligence, surveillance, and precision strike missions.

L&T’s Chairman and Managing Director SN Subrahmanyan highlighted that this initiative offers India “a unique opportunity to manufacture state-of-the-art unmanned platforms indigenously,” adding that the alliance will enhance India’s defence capabilities while advancing aerospace self-reliance.

GA-ASI Chief Executive Dr. Vivek Lall said the partnership “exemplifies our commitment to India’s vision for indigenous manufacturing,” combining GA-ASI’s proven technology with L&T’s production strength to deliver cutting-edge RPAS solutions for the Indian armed forces.

What are MALE drones?

After a need for high-end unmanned aerial vehicles was felt after India-Pakistan’s border clash in May during Operation Sindoor. In view of the same, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had on August 5, 2025, cleared a Rs 67,000 crore modernisation package. Of this, around Rs 20,000 crore was earmarked for the procurement of 87 armed MALE drones.

Short for Medium Altitude Long Endurance, MALE drones are capable of flying at altitudes of around 30,000 to 35,000 feet and remain airborne for over 30 hours. Unlike smaller tactical drones, they are capable of both surveillance and combat roles. Moreover, they can return to the location after striking unlike the well-known kamikaze drones.

How does this deal fit into India’s larger defence vision?

The deal reinforces India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, under which the government has been actively promoting indigenous defence production and technology transfer partnerships with global defence majors.

L&T has previously collaborated with DRDO and the Indian armed forces on a wide range of projects, from aerospace systems to naval and land-based platforms. The company’s manufacturing capabilities already include weapon delivery systems, frontline warships, submarines, and special naval platforms, positioning it as one of India’s most versatile defence manufacturers.

The L&T–General Atomics partnership represents more than just a commercial agreement; it’s a strategic alignment of industrial capabilities and military priorities. By bringing combat-proven drone manufacturing to Indian soil, the partnership positions the country as a future hub for unmanned systems in the Indo-Pacific region.