Hyderabad gets its first unmanned aerial vehicles mfg facility

Hyderabad: The expanding market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the defence sector has turned out to be a boon for Hyderabad as Adani Defence and Aerospace in partnership with Israel-based Elbit Systems has decided to manufacture UAVs both for export and the domestic market (armed forces especially) in anUAV facility here – a first of its kind.A 20-acre facility, named Adani Elbit UAV complex, was inaugurated here in Hyderabad by Telangana Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali. 

The 50,000 sq. ft facilitywill manufacture complete carbon composite aero-structures for Hermes 900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs, an advanced and battle-proven platform followed by Hermes 450 UAVs catering to the global markets, Head of Adani Defence and Aerospace, Ashish Rajvanshi said. “The facility would be further expanded for the assembly and integration of complete UAVs,” said Ashish and added, “the company would initially cater to the global markets and also supply to India defence agencies once the norms are relaxed.” 

The joint venture which is expected to start from March 2019 is planning to manufacture four UAVs by the end of 2019 and 18 by 2020. Adanis have invested $15 million in the park which would also house its JV facility with Rave Gears (USA) for helicopter transmission gears. The Gujarat-based industrial house has set up facilities for defence and aerospace sector in two locations, one in Mundra (in Gujarat), where it earmarked 100 acres and another one in Hyderabad, Ashish said. .

President and Chief Executive Officer of Elbit Systems, Bezhalel Machilis said, "This facility where the Hermes 900 (MALE) and the Hermes 450 the most advanced UAV systems in the world will be manufactured, is in line with the Indian government's strategic plan and Forces in 15 countries are using it for surveillance and intelligence gathering.”