Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in India for the nation’s armed forces, the companies announced on Friday.

Under the agreement, L&T will act as the prime bidder in the Ministry of Defence’s procurement programme for 87 MALE RPAS units, while GA-ASI will serve as the technology partner. The collaboration aims to produce GA-ASI’s MQ-series drone platforms entirely in India, incorporating technology transfer and ensuring high indigenous content in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

GA-ASI, renowned globally for its expertise in unmanned aerial systems, brings over nine million flight hours of operational experience from its Predator series — used extensively in intelligence, surveillance, and strike missions worldwide. Meanwhile, L&T contributes its precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and systems integration capabilities in the defence and aerospace sectors.

The partnership marks a major milestone in Indo-US defence cooperation and seeks to strengthen India’s self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem. With this collaboration, India moves closer to establishing itself as a hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production and advanced aerospace technology.

S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of L&T, said the alliance would “enhance India’s defence capabilities and further the country’s self-reliance in cutting-edge aerospace technologies.”

Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, added that the collaboration aligns with India’s vision for indigenous aerospace manufacturing and will help accelerate technological advancement in the sector.

L&T, a US$30 billion Indian multinational, has maintained leadership in engineering, construction, and defence manufacturing for over eight decades.

On the market front, L&T’s shares were trading at Rs 4,045, up by Rs 57.50 or 1.44 per cent on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) at 12:12 pm. The stock had touched its 52-week high of Rs 4,062.60 during the previous trading session.

The partnership represents a strategic leap in India’s defence industrial capabilities, promoting indigenous innovation, export potential, and advanced drone manufacturing for the future battlefield.