New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Garuda Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue upcoming opportunities for the supply of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to the Indian Defence Forces, Central Police Organisations (CPOs), and specialised security agencies. The collaboration reinforces India’s push towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. MoU Signed in New Delhi The MoU was signed on January 13 in New Delhi between Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director of Garuda Aerospace Ltd, and Prahalad, General Manager (Marketing) at BEL. Under the agreed framework: BEL will act as the team leader and lead bidder Garuda Aerospace will serve as the technology and teaming partner The partnership structure positions BEL to leverage its experience in defence procurement and programme execution, while Garuda Aerospace contributes its advanced drone technologies. Combining Strengths for Mission-Critical UAS Solutions The collaboration aims to bring together the complementary strengths of both organisations - BEL’s expertise in defence electronics, system integration, large-scale programme management, and execution Garuda Aerospace’s capabilities in advanced drone design, manufacturing, customisation, and operational deployment Together, the companies plan to develop and deliver mission-ready, indigenous unmanned aerial solutions tailored to the evolving operational requirements of India’s defence and internal security ecosystem. Focus on Defence Forces, CPOs and Security Agencies The partnership will target upcoming requirements from - Indian Armed Forces Central Police Organisations Specialised internal security and law enforcement agencies The goal is to provide scalable, reliable, and indigenous UAS platforms that enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational effectiveness in both defence and internal security operations. Alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision The MoU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. As per the agreement, BEL and Garuda Aerospace will subsequently enter into a separate Teaming Agreement, which will lay down: Binding scope of work Work-share distribution Roles and responsibilities Compliance with end-customer requirements and procurement procedures This phased approach ensures flexibility while aligning with defence acquisition norms. Industry Leaders React Commenting on the collaboration, Agnishwar Jayaprakash said the partnership marks an important milestone in advancing India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. He highlighted that Garuda Aerospace has been actively working with defence and government agencies and has contributed to national initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Namo Didi. He added that partnering with BEL will enable the delivery of fully indigenous, scalable, and mission-ready UAS solutions for India’s security forces. BEL, in an official statement, said the collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations to develop unmanned systems that meet the operational needs of defence and internal security sectors while reinforcing the national Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Public Sector–Startup Collaboration Marks Key Milestone The signing of the MoU represents a significant collaboration between - A leading public sector defence enterprise (BEL) A new-age Indian drone technology company (Garuda Aerospace) This partnership paves the way for the development of next-generation, indigenously developed unmanned aerial systems that can support national security objectives and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. About Garuda Aerospace Garuda Aerospace is an Indian drone technology start-up with a strong focus on precision agriculture and Industry 4.0 applications. The company has established capabilities across the design, build, and customisation of unmanned aerial vehicles and is increasingly expanding its footprint in defence and government projects. About Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Bharat Electronics Limited is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, engaged in the design, manufacture, and supply of advanced electronic products for defence and civilian applications. Known for its technological expertise and strong organizational culture, BEL plays a vital role in supporting India’s strategic defence capabilities and contributes significantly to the nation’s industrial growth. Read also: From Legacy Networks to Smart Warfare: BEL Tactical Communication System Promises Uninterrupted Battlefield Coordination
