In major boost to India's autonomous drone capabilities, WB India, L-T sign MoU at Aero India 2025

With unmanned aerial systems (UAS) playing a transformative role in modern security operations, WB Electronics India and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025 to collaborate on autonomous UAS solutions for India's defence sector.

Autonomous technologies

Autonomous technologies allow UAS to execute complex operations with minimal human input, improving efficiency, safety, and mission effectiveness. Globally, UAS are increasingly integrated into military operations, supporting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), disaster relief, force protection, border security, and combat missions.

Indian armed forces

Commenting on the partnership, Ashish Sharma, CEO of WB Electronics India, said:
"At WB Electronics India, we take immense pride in the innovative technologies we bring to India’s defence sector. We are excited to partner with Larsen & Toubro, a recognised leader in defence engineering solutions, to deliver tailored, indigenous systems that will significantly augment the capabilities of the Indian armed forces."

Unmanned Aerial Systems

L&T has been at the forefront of defence and aerospace systems development, working on weapon platforms, sensor systems, surveillance solutions, and military power packs. The company has made significant strides in the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Decentralised Collaborative Autonomy—a technology that enables drone swarming and coordinated operations with minimal human intervention.

Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative

WB Group, a major player in unmanned systems, is known for its rugged and reliable UAVs designed for high-risk environments. WB Electronics India Pvt Ltd is joint venture of WB Group Poland, the country's largest privately held defence company. The company has actively expanded its presence in India, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen domestic defence production.

Self-reliance in critical defence technologies

The collaboration aims to combine the technological strengths of both organisations to develop customised, indigenous UAS solutions for the Indian armed forces. By integrating advanced autonomy technologies, the partnership will enhance operational capabilities and reinforce India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical defence technologies.