In a significant stride for Franco-Indian defense cooperation, Bharat Forge Ltd. and French firm Turgis & Gaillard have formalized a partnership to co-develop and produce the next-generation Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), AAROK, in India. This strategic alliance underscores a shared commitment to developing sovereign defense capabilities, leveraging advanced technology, and fostering industrial excellence.

According to a joint announcement, the AAROK UAV, originally conceived by Turgis & Gaillard, is designed to perform Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), strike, and multi-mission roles while maintaining operational versatility and a low logistical footprint. The agreement stipulates that Bharat Forge will be exclusively responsible for the manufacturing and integration of the AAROK within India, aligning with the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives. This collaboration aims to combine cutting-edge French aerospace design with India’s robust manufacturing ecosystem to produce a combat-ready and exportable UAV platform. The companies highlighted that this partnership transcends mere technology exchange, focusing on trust, capability transfer, and building a shared aerospace future.

Focus on AAROK: A Robust and Versatile MALE UAV

The AAROK, as detailed by Turgis & Gaillard, represents a significant advancement in MALE UAV technology. It is described as a robust and cost-effective system, designed for high-intensity operations and adaptable to various combat scenarios.

Key features and capabilities of the AAROK include:

• Extended Endurance: The AAROK boasts a remarkable flight endurance of over 24 hours, extending to 30 hours for ISR-only missions. This allows for persistent surveillance over vast areas or prolonged monitoring of specific points of interest.
• Significant Payload Capacity: With a maximum take-off weight of 5.5 tons and an empty weight of 2.5 tons, the AAROK can carry nearly 3 tons of fuel, weapons, and specialized mission equipment. It is capable of deploying over 1.5 tonnes of weapons, including guided bombs (such as four 250 kg or two 500 kg guided bombs) and up to sixteen air-to-ground missiles.
• Multi-Mission Capabilities: The drone is equipped for diverse missions, encompassing:
  • ISR: Utilizing a comprehensive suite of sensors, including wide-field sensors like multi-mode surveillance radar with a range exceeding 100km, AIS transponders, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, as well as narrow-field optronic sensors with ranges of several tens of kilometers.
  • Strike Missions: Capable of precision strikes against targets from a safe stand-off distance, including air interdiction, close air support, strike coordination and reconnaissance, and suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD).
  • Maritime Operations: Its endurance and sensor capabilities make it highly suitable for maritime surveillance, border monitoring, search and rescue (SAR), and even anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Communications Relay: Equipped with communication systems, the AAROK can serve as a battlefield airborne communications node, enhancing connectivity for digitized land forces and enabling long-distance data transmission.
• Operational Flexibility: The AAROK, with a wingspan of 22 meters, can be maintained in standard NATO airbase hangars. Its robust construction and undercarriage are compatible with unpaved runways, allowing deployment from unprepared strips and extended outdoor parking. It also features all-weather capability, including known icing conditions.
• Advanced Avionics and Integration: The UAV is permanently connected to command and control systems and other military assets, facilitating real-time data transmission for enhanced tactical awareness. It incorporates modular avionics interfaces for rapid integration of various systems.

The collaboration aims to offer a “Made in India” solution that meets the significant requirements of the Indian armed forces while ensuring complete sovereignty over maintenance and overhaul operations, further bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense.