New Delhi . Taking a big step towards further strengthening its defense capabilities, India has started the new procurement process of Israeli Heron MK-II drone. This initiative, being taken under the emergency provisions implemented after Operation Sindoor, will not only enhance surveillance capabilities, but can also open the way for manufacturing of these high-tech drones in India itself. Sources say that discussions are also going on for local manufacturing of these advanced UAVs in India.
Quoting sources, it was said that the three armies have decided to purchase MK-II. Although the sources declined to disclose the number of drones being procured, they clarified that the focus is now on manufacturing Heron Mk-II in India in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Elcom Company.
Let us tell you that Heron MK-II developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a medium altitude, long duration (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle. Its maximum take-off weight is 1430 kg, it can fly continuously for 45 hours, its service ceiling is 35000 feet and the maximum speed is 150 knots (about 278 km/h).
Aim to prepare Indian Heron version
A senior IAI official said that we are fully committed to Make in India and are working closely with our Indian partners to meet these needs. Our two main partners are HAL and ELCOM. Our aim is to manufacture these systems in India and develop a completely Indian Heron version. Not just MK-II, but other systems too.
IAI is also actively working to meet the mandatory Indigenous Content standards in upcoming large MALE UAV tenders, which require at least 60 percent local manufacturing and work. The official said that we are working towards achieving this 60% IC target in every future project.
buy for the first time in 2021
It is noteworthy that after increasing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, India started purchasing Heron MK-II drones using emergency powers in 2021. Four units were initially ordered. Two for the Army and two for the Air Force. Let us tell you that Heron drones are mainly deployed for long-range surveillance on both India’s China and Pakistan borders.
