Adani Defence and Aerospace has successfully delivered a second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities. This development follows the earlier delivery of the first Drishti-10 drone earlier this year and marks a continued commitment to bolster India’s defense sector.
The Drishti-10 Starliner, manufactured at Adani’s facility in Hyderabad, is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform that boasts impressive specifications, including a flight endurance of up to 36 hours and a payload capacity of 450 kilograms. It has gained recognition as the only all-weather military platform in its category, having received NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification for airworthiness. This means it is authorized to operate in both segregated and unsegregated airspace, a critical advantage for military operations.
Sources indicate that the drone provides persistent, over-the-horizon capabilities with fully autonomous operation and satellite communication-based functions. Its integration into the Indian Navy’s fleet allows for enhanced monitoring of extensive maritime territories, potentially improving situational awareness and operational readiness against piracy and other maritime threats.
Drishti 10 is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV, capable of operating between 10,000 and 30,000 feet. Generally utilized for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes, these UAVs can remain airborne for periods ranging from 24 to 48 hours. The strategic deployment of the Drishti 10 in naval operations began in Porbandar, Gujarat, underscoring its role in India’s maritime defence strategy.
In addition to its adoption by the Indian Navy, the drone has already been put to use by the Indian Army, which has received one unit. The first Drishti-10 Starliner drone for the army was delivered in June, with operational plans to utilize it for monitoring the western border with Pakistan from its base in Bhatinda, Punjab.
The successful flight operations of the Drishti 10, conducted by both the Indian Navy and Indian Army, herald a transformative era in India’s indigenous unmanned defense capabilities. The drone’s ability to operate reliably at altitudes exceeding 32,000 feet, along with its adaptability to harsh environments, further underlines the resilience and technological advancements being realized in India’s defense manufacturing sector.
With the rapid development timeline of less than three years for the Drishti-10, Adani Defence has achieved what typically takes several years in the industry, marking a significant milestone in the provision of MALE UAV capabilities. Recent assessments by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, VSM, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air), during a visit to the Porbandar base reflect the ongoing operational integration and collaboration between Adani Defence and the Indian Navy, a partnership aimed at enhancing and safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
This induction represents a crucial step towards self-reliance in defense technology for India, showcasing not only advancements in military capabilities but also the nation’s strategic commitment to innovating and fortifying its defense landscape.
