After the successful use of Heron MK-II in Operation Sindoor, India has signed an agreement under emergency provisions with Israel for the purchase of additional consignments of these satellite-linked drone aircraft to enhance its defense capabilities.
Now Heron MK-II will also join the Indian Navy
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) official said that Heron MK-II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are already available with the Indian Army and Air Force and now they will also be included in the Navy. According to the official, in September the Defense Ministry had issued an RFP (request for proposal) for the procurement of 87 MALE drones, with a focus on the Make in India programme, which allows foreign partnership.
‘Indian Army’s first choice after Operation Sindoor’
He said, “India is a major customer for us. Our partnership spans three decades and several generations.” The official said that after ‘Operation Sindoor’, all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces have selected Heron MK-II for emergency procurement. Although he did not disclose the number, the officer said, “We are very proud that the three services have decided to purchase and use Heron Mark-2.”
The Heron MK-II is a medium altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV, capable of reaching an altitude of 35,000 feet and remaining airborne for up to 45 hours continuously. Apart from the Israeli Air Force, 20 military units around the world use this drone.
Manufacturing will be done in the country under Make in India
Regarding the Make in India initiative, the IAI official said, “We are fully aware of Make in India and are working closely with our local partners to meet the requirements related to it.” The official said that one of these partners is HAL, while the other is Elcom. He said that IAI intends to not only supply these advanced systems but also manufacture them in India.
The official said, “We want to manufacture these systems in India itself. So this will be the Indian version of Heron.” He said this vision includes significant efforts for technology transfer and the target of using more than 60 per cent indigenous Indian manufacturing content.