Adani Defence and Aerospace has successfully delivered the second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, a critical enhancement to India’s maritime surveillance capabilities. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aims to bolster the nation’s ability to monitor shipping lanes and combat piracy threats more effectively.
Following the delivery of the first Drishti-10 earlier this year, the second unit’s induction into naval operations commenced at Porbandar, Gujarat. The Drishti-10 is a variant of Israel’s Hermes 900 medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, reflecting a blend of advanced technology and strategic partnership.
The Drishti-10 Starliner stands out as an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, showcasing impressive specifications, including a payload capacity of 450 kg and a flight endurance of up to 36 hours. Recognized as the only all-weather military platform in its class, it holds NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification for airworthiness, allowing it to operate in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
Equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, the platform enables persistent and autonomous operations while utilizing satellite communication systems. This enhances the navy’s capacity to monitor extensive maritime areas, ensuring situational awareness that is crucial in today’s complex security environment.
The introduction of the Drishti-10 is significant not only for the Indian Navy but also marks a leap in capabilities for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. The drone integrates advanced payload suites onto a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) framework, empowering the Indian Navy with superior capabilities for maritime dominance.
MALE UAVs, like the Drishti-10, typically operate at altitudes between 10,000 and 30,000 feet, enabling comprehensive surveillance across vast areas. With the first unit deployed to the Indian Navy in January and a second unit delivered to the Indian Army in June, the Indian Army plans to utilize its drone at its Bhatinda base in Punjab to monitor the western border with Pakistan.
The successful flight operations of the Drishti-10 in both Porbandar and Bhatinda demonstrate the project’s significant milestones and herald a new era for India’s indigenous unmanned defense capabilities. The integration of such advanced UAV technology reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure and enhancing maritime security.
