Following the extensive use of Heron Mk-II remotely piloted aircraft in Operation Sindoor for surveillance, reconnaissance, and documenting missile strikes on terror centers, India is set to order more drones from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) under emergency procurement provisions.
According to news agency ANI, Israeli defence industry sources said all three branches of the armed forces—Indian Army, Navy, and the Air Force—have decided to procure Mk-II.
Under the emergency procurement provisions, armed forces can purchase weapons systems worth up to Rs 300 crore.
Reports suggest that discussions are also underway to explore the possibility of manufacturing the UAV in India.
While additional orders have been placed by the Army and Air Force, which already operate the drones, the Navy is acquiring them for the first time. The induction of these drones will enhance the capabilities of the three services to undertake ISR missions beyond the line of sight ranges at higher altitudes of operations.
What makes Heron Mk II special?
Heron Mk II squadron, known as the 'Wardens of the North' is deployed in the northern sector and is capable of covering surveillance and strike missions against both China and Pakistan in a single sortie.
Capable of undertaking SATCOM (satellite communications) based operations along with advanced sensors and avionics suite, Heron Mk-II is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle which has an endurance of up to 45 hours, a service ceiling of 35,000 feet, and can fly over 1,000 kilometers without refueling.
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According to IAI, "A particularly notable feature of the Heron MK II is its standoff capability. This function allows for the gathering of intelligence from tens of kilometers away, without the need to cross borders, made possible by its capacity to carry larger and improved sensors."
The drone can support a wide range of additional payloads, including electro-optics, radars, ELINT (electronic intelligence), COMINT (Communications Intelligence), ESM (electronic support measures), and communication relay systems.
"The payloads and the onboard avionics of the Heron Mk-II can operate at sub-zero temperatures and in any weather condition. This is helping the Indian Air Force achieve footprints over any type of terrain," Squadron Leader Arpit Tandon, who is a pilot of the Heron Mk-II drone squadron, was earlier quoted as saying.
“The Heron Mk-II is a very capable drone. This is capable of longer endurance and has ‘beyond line of sight’ capability. With this, the entire country can be surveilled from the same place. The drone simply amalgamates into the Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance matrix of the Indian Air Force,” Wing Commander Pankaj Rana, commanding officer of the drone squadron, had earlier told ANI.