Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces have initiated “Emergency Procurement” of additional Heron Mk II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).While the Army and Air Force already operate these drones, the Indian Navy is acquiring them for the first time. The Navy will transition from the older Searcher UAVs (also Israeli) to the more advanced Heron Mk II platform.
Heron Mk II
- Type: Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV.
- Origin: Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
- Key Upgrades :
- SATCOM Enabled: Unlike earlier versions dependent on Line-of-Sight (LOS) radio, the Mk II is Satellite-Linked. This allows Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) operations, meaning it can fly much further while controlled from a distant base.
- Standoff Capability: Can gather intelligence from deep inside enemy territory without crossing the border, using long-range sensors.
- Endurance: Capable of flying for 45 hours continuously at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
‘Emergency Procurement :
- Objective: To bypass long bureaucratic cycles and plug critical operational gaps swiftly during heightened tensions.
- Financial Cap: Under these powers, the Vice Chiefs of the three services can sign contracts up to ₹300 crore per project without going through the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for every approval.
- Timeline: Items procured under this route are typically delivered within 1 year.
4. Strategic Implications & Indigenisation
- Northern Sector Deployment: The Army has already deployed these drones in the Northern sector (Ladakh/China border) for surveillance.
- Make in India Push:
- The deal isn’t just a direct purchase; it involves collaboration with Indian Defence PSUs (like HAL) and private partners.
- Goal: To build capabilities for maintenance, integration, and eventual local manufacturing of MALE UAVs.
Comparison:
| Feature | Searcher Mk II (Navy’s Current) | Heron Mk II (Navy’s Upgrade) |
| Role | Tactical Surveillance | Strategic Reconnaissance (MALE) |
| Range | Limited (Line of Sight) | Extended (Satellite Link) |
| Endurance | ~18-20 Hours | ~45 Hours |
| Payload | Lighter Sensors | Multi-Sensor (SAR, COMINT, ELINT) |
