Adani Defence’s Akshi 7 UAS vs. Bharat Forge-Turgis Gaillard’s AAROK UAV: A Head-to-Head Comparison for India’s Tri-Service MALE UAV Requirement

SOURCE: AFI

India’s defense sector is witnessing a transformative phase as the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force collectively seek to procure 97 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to bolster intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike capabilities.

Two prominent contenders in this high-stakes competition are Adani Defence’s Akshi 7 UAS and the AAROK UAV, offered through a partnership between Bharat Forge and French aerospace firm Turgis Gaillard. Both systems, though of foreign origin, promise local manufacturing under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative if selected. This article compares the Akshi 7 and AAROK, evaluating their capabilities, specifications, and strategic alignment with India’s tri-service requirements.

Akshi 7 UAS: Tailored for Maritime and Surveillance Excellence

Adani Defence and Aerospace, a key player in India’s private defense industry, has introduced the Akshi 7 UAS, a MALE platform designed specifically for maritime and surveillance operations. Built with advanced avionics, multi-mission payloads, and autonomous taxi functions, the Akshi 7 is optimized for seamless takeoff and landing on ships and small airstrips, making it ideal for naval operations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Key Specifications:

• Range: 300 km (line-of-sight, extendable with beyond-line-of-sight capabilities)
• Service Ceiling: 22,000 ft
• Endurance: Up to 24 hours
• Payload: Not publicly disclosed, but equipped with multi-mission payloads including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and maritime surveillance systems
• Features: Autonomous taxi, takeoff, and landing; advanced avionics for real-time data processing; designed for maritime ISR, border surveillance, and disaster response

The Akshi 7’s compact design and shipborne operational capability make it a versatile asset for the Indian Navy, which requires persistent surveillance over vast maritime domains. Its autonomous features reduce crew workload, enhancing operational efficiency during extended missions. Adani’s experience in manufacturing Israeli-origin Hermes 900 drones in India positions it well to establish a robust local production line for the Akshi 7, ensuring sovereignty over maintenance and upgrades.

AAROK UAV: A High-Payload, Multi-Domain Force Multiplier

The AAROK, developed by France’s Turgis Gaillard and offered in partnership with Bharat Forge, is a MALE UAV engineered for long-range surveillance, precision strikes, and multi-domain operations. With a focus on cost-effectiveness and scalability, the AAROK is designed to integrate seamlessly into modern battlefield networks, providing real-time tactical intelligence and firepower.

Key Specifications:

• Range: Over 1,000 km (line-of-sight, with beyond-line-of-sight capabilities via satellite link)
• Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft
• Endurance: 24–48 hours
• Payload: Over 1.5 tonnes, including electromagnetic sensors, radar, and weapons for precision strikes
• Features: Permanent connectivity to command and control systems; high-altitude, long-range ISR; strike capabilities against high-value targets; support for maritime and joint operations

The AAROK’s standout feature is its significant payload capacity, enabling it to carry a mix of sensors and weapons, such as anti-tank guided missiles and precision-guided munitions, for deep-strike missions. Bharat Forge’s commitment to establishing a local production line in India ensures compliance with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, offering full control over maintenance and overhaul operations. The UAV’s endurance and altitude capabilities make it a strong contender for tri-service roles, particularly for the Indian Air Force and Army, which prioritize long-range reconnaissance and offensive operations.

Comparative Analysis

1. Operational Capabilities:

• Akshi 7: Its 300 km range and 22,000 ft ceiling are tailored for maritime ISR, with a strong emphasis on naval operations. The autonomous taxi and shipborne landing capabilities make it ideal for deployment on aircraft carriers and smaller naval vessels, enhancing India’s maritime domain awareness. However, its shorter range limits its utility for deep inland missions compared to competitors.
• AAROK: With a range exceeding 1,000 km and a ceiling of 30,000 ft, the AAROK is better suited for long-range missions across diverse terrains, including border surveillance and offensive operations. Its 1.5-tonne payload capacity allows for a mix of ISR sensors and weapons, making it a versatile platform for tri-service requirements, particularly for precision strikes deep behind enemy lines.

2. Endurance and Payload:

• Akshi 7: The 24-hour endurance is sufficient for most maritime and border surveillance missions. While payload details are not fully disclosed, its multi-mission configuration suggests flexibility for EO/IR, SAR, and communication relays. However, it may lack the heavy weapon-carrying capacity needed for strike missions.
• AAROK: Offering 24–48 hours of endurance, the AAROK can loiter longer over target areas, providing persistent surveillance and strike options. Its 1.5-tonne payload capacity is a significant advantage, enabling it to carry advanced sensors and munitions, such as anti-airfield weapons or guided missiles, which align with the Indian Army and Air Force’s need for offensive capabilities.

3. Strategic Alignment:

• Akshi 7: The Akshi 7’s maritime focus makes it a natural fit for the Indian Navy, which seeks to counter threats in the Indian Ocean and monitor unauthorized activities. Its autonomous features and compact design also support disaster response and coastal security, aligning with India’s broader security needs.
• AAROK: The AAROK’s multi-domain capabilities cater to the tri-service requirement, offering a unified platform for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its ability to disrupt enemy defenses and neutralize surface-to-air systems positions it as a force multiplier in contested environments, particularly along India’s northern and western borders.

4. Indigenous Manufacturing and Cost:

• Both systems will be locally manufactured, ensuring compliance with India’s self-reliance goals. Adani’s experience with the Hermes 900 and Bharat Forge’s expertise in defense manufacturing guarantee robust production capabilities. However, the AAROK’s lower acquisition and deployment costs, as highlighted by Bharat Forge, could give it an edge in a cost-sensitive procurement process.
• The Akshi 7’s cost remains undisclosed, but its specialized maritime focus may involve higher integration costs for naval platforms compared to the AAROK’s broader applicability.

5. Technological Maturity:

• Akshi 7: While Adani has not revealed the foreign partner for the Akshi 7, its design likely draws on proven technologies, possibly from Israeli or Western collaborators, given Adani’s track record. The UAS’s autonomous features suggest a high level of technological sophistication, but its untested status raises questions about operational reliability.
• AAROK: Developed by Turgis Gaillard, the AAROK is a mature platform designed for modern warfare. Its integration with command and control systems and proven sensor suite offer a battle-ready solution. Bharat Forge’s global manufacturing expertise further enhances confidence in its scalability.

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