Bharat Forge and Turgis Gaillard to Localise Production of AAROK UAV for Indian Defence

In a significant step towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities,

(Bharat Forge Limited (BFL)) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French company Turgis Gaillard to supply the AAROK UAV to the Indian Ministry of Defence. Under the agreement, Bharat Forge will establish a local production line in India, enabling on-site manufacturing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This move is expected to meet the growing demand from the Indian armed forces while ensuring complete operational sovereignty, including maintenance, overhaul, and technical support. The AAROK is a state-of-the-art medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV designed for cost-effective surveillance and combat operations. It is capable of flying at high altitudes for over 24 hours, making it ideal for long-range reconnaissance missions. Equipped with advanced electromagnetic sensors and radar systems, the UAV can monitor enemy movements and conduct surveillance without entering hostile territory. With a payload capacity of over 1.5 tonnes, the AAROK can carry precision munitions and strike targets deep behind enemy lines, disrupting defences and neutralising threats such as surface-to-air missile systems. Its multi-domain capabilities make it a versatile asset for modern warfare, supporting both defensive and offensive operations. This collaboration marks another milestone in India’s push for self-reliance under the 'Make in India' initiative, strengthening the country’s strategic autonomy and positioning Bharat Forge as a key player in the global defence technology ecosystem.