Bharat Forge-Windracers MoU signing ceremony at DSEI, UK.
DSEI 2025 -Bharat Forge and Windracers Forge Strategic MoU: September 12, 2025, In a groundbreaking move set to enhance India’s UAV capabilities, Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), India’s largest forging and advanced engineering group, has announced a strategic collaboration with Windracers Limited, a leading UK-based manufacturer of the world’s most advanced dual-use heavy-lift drone. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy, localize, and apply Windracers’ ULTRA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) across India, marking a significant step in India’s technological and defense innovation.
The MoU was formally signed at the prestigious DSEI UK 2025 in London, a key global defense and security event. This partnership not only positions both companies at the forefront of the UAV industry but also serves as a catalyst for strengthening the burgeoning ties between the United Kingdom and India, particularly under the framework of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
A New Era in Aerospace Technology and Innovation
The collaboration comes at a pivotal time when both India and the UK are focusing on increasing defense collaboration and aerospace technology transfer. It aligns with the India-UK Vision 2035, which seeks to build stronger bilateral ties in defense, trade, and technological advancements. The MoU initially sets a two-year term, during which both companies will work together on localization efforts, joint trials, and the development of a definitive agreement for the deployment of Windracers ULTRA in India.
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Amit Kalyani, Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the logistical capabilities of India’s defense forces.
“We are delighted to partner with Windracers under the positive climate fostered by the UK-India FTA,” Amit Kalyani said. “The Windracers ULTRA UAV not only enhances India’s indigenous UAV capabilities but also provides robust solutions for high-stakes logistics across some of the world’s most challenging geographies. The UAV’s proven performance in high-altitude, maritime, and remote terrains makes it uniquely suited to tri-service needs, expanding our reach across naval, air, and land operations in alignment with the Indian Ministry of Defence’s 15-year roadmap.”
Windracers ULTRA: A Game-Changer for India’s Defense and Civil Sectors
At the heart of this collaboration lies the Windracers ULTRA, a dual-use heavy-lift UAV that has already demonstrated its resilience and reliability in international operations. Its exceptional payload capacity, endurance (six to seven hours), and multi-mission capabilities have made it the go-to solution for various logistical needs in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.
The ULTRA UAV has been particularly effective in supporting Antarctic research missions, showcasing its ability to operate in some of the harshest conditions known to man. Its success in these extreme environments is expected to translate seamlessly to India’s military and civil sectors, where it will assist in Carrier On Board Delivery (COD) operations for the Indian Navy, provide critical logistics support for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and facilitate essential supply chains across remote and high-altitude regions like the Himalayas and Northeastern India.
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Simon Muderack, CEO of Windracers, underscored the strategic nature of the partnership, emphasizing its role in providing operational autonomy for India’s defense and civil sectors.
“Collaborating with Bharat Forge represents a major step in expanding the dual-use operation of Windracers ULTRA,” said Muderack. “This partnership will leverage years of ULTRA research, development, testing, and operation, delivering strategic benefits and operational autonomy for India’s stakeholders.”
Windracers Ultra UAV.
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An End-to-End Solution for India’s Diverse Geographies
The Windracers ULTRA is specifically designed to operate across India’s vast and diverse geographies, making it an invaluable asset for both defense operations and civil infrastructure development. Whether it’s the oceanic and island regions of India’s coastline, the treacherous Himalayan terrain, or the remote northeastern states, the UAV is built to perform under the most demanding conditions.
In addition to its use in military logistics, Muderack highlighted the ULTRA’s potential to be deployed in civil applications, such as delivering supplies to disaster-stricken areas, conducting aerial surveys, and supporting infrastructure projects in areas that are difficult to access by traditional means.
“The strategic versatility of ULTRA means it can serve a wide range of sectors—military, civil, and even humanitarian operations,” Muderack explained. “This makes it an essential tool for not only addressing current logistical challenges but also for preparing India for future operational demands.”
The Path Forward: Localization and Joint Trials
The MoU sets the stage for the two companies to focus on localization efforts in India, aiming to manufacture and assemble the Windracers ULTRA UAV domestically. This is in line with India’s growing push for indigenous defense manufacturing and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), which encourages local production and technological innovation.
The joint trials to be conducted during the first two years will test the UAV’s capabilities in various operational scenarios, ensuring it meets the unique demands of the Indian military, while also fine-tuning the drone for civilian applications. Bharat Forge’s established presence in the Indian defense sector and its deep expertise in advanced engineering will be crucial in adapting the technology to Indian needs.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
This partnership between Bharat Forge and Windracers is more than just a business venture—it represents a broader strategic alignment between India and the UK in the realm of aerospace and defense innovation. By leveraging cutting-edge UAV technology, both nations stand to benefit from a partnership that promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerial logistics, defense operations, and civil infrastructure development.
The agreement also aligns with India’s defense and technology policy, which focuses on unmanned logistics and dual-use technologies. As part of the Indian Ministry of Defence’s 15-year roadmap, the partnership will contribute to India’s long-term goal of enhancing its technological capabilities, especially in the domains of naval operations, high-altitude supply chains, and unmanned systems.
The signing of this MoU between Bharat Forge and Windracers marks a pivotal moment in India’s defense and aerospace sector. The collaboration brings together cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for advancing UAV operations, offering India a competitive edge in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The Windracers ULTRA UAV, with its unique capabilities, is set to play a key role in shaping the future of Indian defense logistics, civil operations, and technological innovation.
