Orbital Expands Indian Footprint with L&T Propulsion Deal

Orbital Expands Indian Footprint with L&T Propulsion Deal\n\nOrbital Corporation Limited, a leading Australian manufacturer of propulsion systems, has secured a significant order from Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India's largest engineering and defence companies. The deal involves the supply of three 350HFE propulsion systems, each incorporating Orbital's Gen II Power Management System (PMS).\n\nThis partnership marks Orbital's second major customer in India, expanding its presence in the country's developing UAV industry. The 350HFE propulsion system, designed and built in Western Australia, has been selected by L&T for its Group 3 tactical UAV platform.\n\nThe order represents a significant milestone for Orbital, as it demonstrates the demand for integrated propulsion solutions in the Indian market. The Gen II PMS, a proprietary technology developed by Orbital, provides a matched solution for both propulsion and onboard electrical power, including up to 1kW of electrical output, remote engine start, and in-flight battery charging.\n\nL&T's selection of Orbital's propulsion system follows thorough technical due diligence, including a visit to Orbital's Western Australian facility to inspect the engines and undertake extensive bench testing. This rigorous evaluation process enabled L&T to assess engine performance against its requirements, ultimately leading to the selection of Orbital's 350HFE propulsion system.\n\nThe strategic significance of this order lies in establishing Orbital's propulsion system within a UAV programme being developed by one of India's largest engineering and defence companies. This partnership provides a pathway for Orbital to participate in Indian military UAV programmes as they progress through development, qualification, and potential production.\n\nIndia's UAV market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, with the country's broader drone market forecast to reach US$11 billion by 2030. The Indian Government has identified domestic drone manufacturing as a priority for defence preparedness and strategic autonomy.\n\nOrbital is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, with its relationships with L&T providing a pathway to supply specialist heavy-fuel propulsion systems for Group 2 and Group 3 UAVs. The company's focus on supplying propulsion technology designed and built in Western Australia to support Indian military UAV programmes aligns with the Australian Government's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India.\n\nAccording to Stephen Pearce, CEO of Orbital Corporation Limited, "Australia and India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides a foundation for closer defence industry cooperation and trade. Australian manufacturers have specialist technology to contribute as India develops its defence capability. The relationship with L&T provides a pathway for Orbital to put this defence industry cooperation into practice, supplying propulsion technology designed and built in Western Australia to support Indian military UAV programmes."\n\nIn conclusion, Orbital's partnership with L&T marks a significant milestone in the company's expansion into the Indian market. The deal demonstrates the demand for integrated propulsion solutions and provides a pathway for Orbital to participate in Indian military UAV programmes. As the Indian UAV market continues to grow, Orbital is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity, supplying specialist propulsion systems designed and built in Western Australia.