Bharat Forge Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French defence company Turgis Gaillard to acquire the technology for Aarok, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class unmanned aerial vehicle. The agreement, disclosed via a regulatory filing, marks Bharat Forge’s entry into the high-end drone manufacturing space.
Indigenous Production Line for Aarok
As part of the collaboration, Bharat Forge will set up a local production line for Aarok UAVs. This move aligns with India’s defence self-reliance goals and strengthens the company’s footprint in aerospace technology.
Advanced Features of Aarok UAV
The Aarok UAV is designed for high-altitude, long-range surveillance and combat missions. It maintains continuous connectivity with command and control systems, providing real-time battlefield data. Aarok can carry over 1.5 tonnes of weaponry and engage enemy targets from a safe distance. It plays a critical role in multi-domain military operations, including disrupting enemy air defence systems from deep behind enemy lines.
Complementing Previous Defence Collaborations
This partnership follows another major milestone for Bharat Forge—the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently transferred technology for its Mounted Gun System to the company. The transfer event was overseen by DRDO chairperson Samir Kamat.
Market Performance and Analyst Outlook
Despite its growing role in defence manufacturing, Bharat Forge’s stock fell 1.74% to ₹1,298.6, underperforming the broader NSE Nifty 50, which dropped 0.37%. According to Bloomberg data, among 29 analysts tracking the company, 13 recommend buying the stock, seven advise holding, and nine suggest selling. The average 12-month target indicates an 11.5% potential downside.
