UAV
JSW Defence Commences Construction of Next-Gen UAS Facility in Hyderabad
2 December 2025
A strategic division to indigenise and manufacture advanced drone technologies in India, enhancing India's defence capabilities while establishing the country as a global manufacturing hub for Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Introducing V-BAT
The V-BAT is engineered as the most tactical, logistically simple Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) available today. Widely adopted by US armed forces and the allied countries globally, its unique capabilities make it unparalleled for critical ISR missions such as border security, maritime patrol and threat detection & designation.
V-BAT - Key Features
A combat-proven Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) developed by Shield AI, being indigenously manufactured in India, that can deliver expeditionary, strategic, and tactical-level ISR performance in GPS-denied and communications-restricted environments with exceptional cost efficiency and minimal logistical footprints.
VTOL with Fixed-Wing Efficiency
Vertical Take-Off and Landing eliminates the need for runways, while the fixed-wing design delivers up to 13+ hours of endurance for persistent ISR operations.
AI-Driven Autonomy
Designed to be compatible with Shield AI’s proprietary Hivemind autonomy stack, V-BAT can plan, adapt, and execute missions with minimal operator intervention.
Modular Payloads
Highly configurable payload architecture that supports precise customisation as per the unique requirements of each mission.
Heavy Fuel Engine
V-BAT’s high-efficiency heavy-fuel engine maximizes fuel capacity, thrust, and economy, delivering longer flight times of 13+ hours for persistent ISR and targeting.
Small Logistics Footprint
Designed for rapid deployment by small teams, V-BAT can be transported in two cases and set up in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for special operations and forward units.
Technical Specifications
Airframe
Propulsion
Heavy Fuel Engine (JP5)
Wingspan
12.5 ft / 3.8 m
Height
9.6 ft / 2.9 m
Max Gross Takeoff Weight
161 lbs / 73 kg
Operating Performance
Max Endurance
12+ hrs (w/EO/IR payload)
Max Payload Capacity
40 lbs/18.1 kg
Max Range (MPU5)
81 mi/130 km
Max Range (C-Band Radio)
112mi/180km
Landing Zone
15 ft x 15 ft / 4.6 m x 4.6 m
Mix and match payloads across V-BATs to get the perfect sensor package for your mission. V-BAT's modularity enables rapid integration of various payloads to meet mission requirements.
01
V/UHF COMMUNICATION RELAY
02
SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR
03
HOODTECH 11 & 9 SERIES
04
AIS
05
GNSS ANTI-JAM
06
SATCOM
07
LASER RANGE FINDER
08
AIRCRAFT TRANSPONDER
09
LASER TARGET DESIGNATOR
Upcoming State-of-the-Art Facility
JSW UAV’s upcoming Telangana facility will focus on advanced drone manufacturing in partnership with Shield AI, representing a major investment in local defence technology production.
Technology Transfer & Global Collaboration
Will leverage technology transfer from Shield AI, enabling large-scale production of the V-BAT platform for Indian defence needs and global export.
Building India’s UAV Manufacturing Ecosystem
Aims to establish a robust industrial ecosystem and establish advanced manufacturing, assembly, and testing for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Empowering Innovation & Self-Reliance
Aims to generate several high-value jobs, foster innovation, and reinforce self-reliance in India’s defence sector.
