Bharat Forge Ltd., a key player in India’s defence manufacturing sector, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French aerospace company Turgis Gaillard to jointly offer the AAROK UAV platform to the Indian Ministry of Defence.
AAROK is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class unmanned aerial vehicle designed for surveillance and long-range operational capabilities. Developed by Turgis Gaillard, the UAV is intended to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with extended flight endurance of over 24 hours and the ability to operate at high altitudes.
The UAV is equipped with electromagnetic sensors and radar systems for real-time situational awareness while maintaining a stand-off position from potential threats. AAROK integrates with command and control systems, enabling it to relay tactical data and support coordinated military operations.
A key feature of AAROK is its ability to carry a payload exceeding 1.5 tonnes, including precision weapons. This capability enables it to support multi-domain operations by striking targets beyond enemy lines, neutralising air defence systems, and disrupting adversary formations from a safe distance.
Bharat Forge plans to set up a domestic production line for AAROK, aiming to meet Indian defence procurement requirements through local manufacturing. The move is aligned with India’s emphasis on indigenisation and strategic autonomy in defence platforms, covering both manufacturing and lifecycle maintenance.
The collaboration marks a step forward in Indo-French defence cooperation, offering a scalable UAV platform tailored to the operational needs of the Indian armed forces.