Eyeing the expanding market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the defence sector, Adani Defence and Aerospace has tied up with Israel-based Elbit Systems to manufacture drones for India as well as global market. A 20-acre facility, named Adani Elbit UAV complex, has been inaugurated in Hyderabad, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make In India vision.
The plant was inaugurated by Telangana Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali, the lone minister to take oath on Thursday along with Chief Minister K. Chadrashekhar Rao.
Adani Elbit will manufacture Hermes 900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs, an advanced and battle-proven platform. Forces in 15 countries are using it for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
To begin with, both sides are targeting to manufacture four UAVs by the end of 2019 and 18 by 2020.
The 50,000 sqft state-of-the-art facility would be the first private UAV manufacturing unit in India and the first facility outside Israel to manufacture Hermes 900 UAV. The plant will begin operations with the manufacturing of complete carbon composite aero-structures for Hermos 900, followed by Hermos 450, catering to the global market. Further, it will ramp up for assembly and integration of complete UAVs.
Adani Elbit joint venture is competing in the tender to have 150 UAVs for India Army, Navy and IAF.
"It is a critical milestone for the trusted strategic relationship between India and Israel. Make in India is the only way which will move our nation from dependent to independent in defence manufacturing. In the period of last three years, Adnai Defence and Aerospace has established an extensive ecosystem of tier 1 and tier 2 capabilities especially by investing in the future growth of MSMEs in India," Ashish Rajvanshi, head of Adani Defence and Aerospace said, and added that nearly 100 engineers and technical staff will be working at the Hyderabad UAV unit.
Bezhalel Machilis, president and CEO, Elbit Systems, said, "This facility where the Hermes 900 and Hermes 450—the most advanced UAV system in the world—will be manufactured, is in the line with Indian government's strategic plan and enables us to share our extensive experience in defence systems and benefit from the dedicated Indian workforce."
Adani Defence and Aerospace has already tied up Swedish defence giant Saab to manufacture Gripen fighter jets.
