To improve their unmanned capabilities in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces have signed contracts for additional satellite-linked Heron Mk II drones under emergency procurement, sources in the Israeli defence industry said.
As stated by the sources, the Army and Air Force, which by now operate Heron Mk II drones, have placed further orders, while the Indian Navy is obtaining them for the first time. The Navy will soon transition to the more cutting-edge Heron Mk II platform.
According to existing guidelines, under emergency procurement, the armed forces can obtain weapons systems and entire systems worth up to INR 300 crore.
To improve their unmanned capabilities in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces have signed contracts for supplementary satellite-linked Heron Mk II drones under emergency procurement, sources in the Israeli defence industry said.
According to sources, the Army and Air Force, which already operate Heron Mk II drones, have placed additional orders, while the Indian Navy is acquiring them for the first time. The Navy, which has long depended on Israeli-made Searcher UAVs for surveillance, will soon transition to the more cutting-edge Heron Mk II platform.
According to existing guidelines, under emergency procurement, armed forces can obtain weapons systems worth up to INR 300 crore.
A senior Israeli defence official informed that drones have become an integral part of contemporary warfare, with about 70% of battlefield operations conducted by drones. They play a significant role in countering air defence systems, allowing the detection, tracking and neutralization of high-value threats.
The Heron family, particularly the Heron Mk II, is a key component of this evolving combat environment due to its versatility and proven reliability. The Indian Army has positioned these drones at forward bases in the northern sector.
The Heron Mk II is a MALE UAV capable of carrying a payload of close to half a tonne and sustaining over 24 hours of continuous flight. With Synthetic Aperture Radar, electro-optical systems and SIGINT sensors, the platform offers comprehensive ISR capabilities in challenging weather conditions. Its fully automated take-off and landing systems, in addition to encrypted satellite communication, allow remote operations, flexible mission planning and disposition across varied theatres without ground-based line-of-sight control.
In line with India’s push for defence indigenization, numerous Israeli defence industries, including state-owned defence manufacturers, are working with defence PSUs and private partners to improve local production. The companies are also making training, maintenance and integration competencies within India, the official said.
Israeli manufacturers are preparing for future Indian tenders under the “Make in India” framework and discovering deeper partnerships to meet compliance requirements.
In September this year, the defence ministry issued a Request for Proposal for a major acquisition of 87 MALE drones, with an emphasis on an indigenous “Make in India” programme that also consents foreign partnerships.
Source: The Hindu
From selecting the right drone to finding a course, our team can guide you through every step of your drone journey.
