Bharat Forge Ltd. and Pratt & Whitney Canada have partnered to advance HALE UAV engines India integration for DRDO’s high-altitude unmanned drone initiative.
Strategic HALE UAV Engines India Partnership
The collaboration focuses on evaluating advanced turboprop propulsion systems for India’s indigenous High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the platform advances self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework.
Operational Division of Work
- Pratt & Whitney Canada: Evaluates turboprop engine compatibility, thermal performance, and physical installation requirements.
- Bharat Forge: Leads airframe integration, system interface design, and structural installation using its domestic manufacturing and aerospace engineering capabilities.
Executive Industry Perspectives
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, stated that pairing Pratt & Whitney’s propulsion technology with Bharat Forge’s systems integration expertise will deliver a world-class defense platform.
Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Head of Pratt & Whitney, emphasized that their turboprop engines offer battle-tested reliability in high-altitude environments, meeting the rigorous operational demands of the HALE program.
Source: PSU Connect
