The Indian army has officially signed a contract to acquire advanced V-BAT reconnaissance drones from the American company Shield AI. This decision was made after the successful combat use of these drones in Ukraine, where they demonstrated high resistance to electronic warfare systems and the ability to operate in difficult conditions. This is reported by UNN.
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V-BAT drones have a unique vertical take-off and landing design, which allows them to be used from limited areas without the need for special runways.
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In Ukraine, these drones have proven to be an effective means of long-range reconnaissance, ignoring enemy electronic warfare interference. This experience was the decisive argument for New Delhi when choosing a supplier to strengthen its own borders.
The acquisition of V-BAT is a strategic step to enhance our reconnaissance capabilities in complex landscapes
It is expected that the first batches of drones will be sent to patrol high-altitude areas and sea borders.
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An important part of the agreement is not just the purchase of finished samples, but the full localization of the technology. Construction of a factory has already begun in India, where V-BAT drones will be manufactured under license from Shield AI. This will allow the country not only to quickly replenish its drone fleet, but also to become a regional hub for the technical maintenance of this platform.
This step is in line with the state program "Make in India", aimed at reducing dependence on imports of finished military products. In addition to the aircraft themselves, Indian specialists will work on integrating their own software and communication systems into the American platform.