Windracers, Bharat Forge sign MoU to expand UAV operations in India

UK-based Windracers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) to collaborate on the deployment and localisation of heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India.

The agreement was formalised at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London. The two-year MoU will focus on joint trials of the Windracers ULTRA UAV in India and explore both defence and civil applications. The collaboration also aims to prepare for longer-term deployment, including localisation of manufacturing and potential technology transfer.

According to Bharat Forge, the initiative is intended to meet emerging requirements of India’s armed forces, including carrier-on-board delivery (COD) operations for the Navy and logistics support for the Army and Air Force. Applications in remote and high-altitude environments are also being considered.

“Windracers ULTRA enhances India’s indigenous UAV capabilities and supports logistics needs across naval, air, and land domains,” said Amit Kalyani, Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge.

“With an industry-leading payload capacity and proven performance in high-altitude, maritime, and remote terrains, Windracers ULTRA is uniquely suited to tri-service needs expanding our reach with an offering tailored to all three domains – naval, air, and land – and aligning with Indian Ministry of Defence’s 15-year roadmap that prioritises unmanned logistics, naval operations, high-altitude supply chains, and dual-use technologies,” added Kalyani.

Windracers’ ULTRA platform has been tested in varied conditions, including Antarctic research missions, and is designed for endurance flights of six to seven hours. With a high payload capacity, the UAV is capable of operating across challenging environments such as island territories, Himalayan terrain and the North-East of India.

The partnership is positioned within the framework of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap, both of which highlight defence and aerospace cooperation. The agreement reflects Bharat Forge’s wider efforts to grow its aerospace and defence portfolio, while giving Windracers an entry point into India’s defence and logistics market.

Simon Muderack, Chief Executive of Windracers, said: “Collaborating with Bharat Forge represents a major step in expanding the dual-use operation of Windracers ULTRA. Our partnership will leverage the years of ULTRA research, development, testing and operation, and deliver strategic benefits and operational autonomy for India’s defence and civil stakeholders.”

Earlier this month, Windracers opened its newly expanded factory in Fareham, Hampshire. The facility, located in Hamble-Valley, spans 22,000 sq m and was inaugurated following a refurbishment to support increased production of the company’s heavy-lift drones. The expansion has created more than 50 jobs, with further positions expected later this year.

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Earlier in June, at the 2025 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, Windracers also announced a humanitarian partnership with Aviation Sans Frontières to establish a drone logistics network in Africa. The initiative deploys the ULTRA MK2 UAV, capable of carrying up to 150 kg over 1,000 km, to deliver medical supplies to remote and hard-to-reach communities. Designed with autonomous operations and a tri-door system for aerial payload drops, the project aims to strengthen access to healthcare in underserved regions.