After Israeli Heron Long-Range Drones, Armed Forces Order Hermes Medium Altitude Long-Endurance UAV; Deliveries Next Year

After acquiring Israeli Heron Mk-2 long-range armed drones, the Indian armed forces have now purchased another medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone — the Hermes 900 Starliner from Israel, reported The Hindu.

According to the report, all three services have ordered two drones each using emergency procurement powers granted to the forces.

The army and navy have ordered two Elbit Systems-manufactured Hermes 900 drones, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered two Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-manufactured Heron Mk2 drones.

It is worth noting that the army already operates four Heron Mk2 UAVs, which were ordered in 2021. Two of the army's Heron Mk2 drones are deployed at Leh in Ladakh, while the other two are deployed in the eastern theater.

The deliveries of these UAVs are expected to be completed by next year.

“The induction of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Heron MKII and planned induction of Hermes 900 Star liners will not only boost the reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the Indian Army but also their teaming with combat helicopters will prove to be a game changer in the third dimension,” the report stated quoting a defence official.

A significant part of these UAVs will be manufactured in India by Adani Aerospace and Defense. Adani already produces complete composite aerostructures for Hermes 900 drones in India in partnership with Elbit Systems.

India is also working on Project Cheetah — a project aimed at weaponising, upgrading, and adding satellite communication systems — to hundreds of Israeli Heron and Searcher UAVs already in operation with the armed forces.

This project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 21,000 crore.

The Department of Military Affairs (DMA), led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), ordered two studies last month — the first to identify the number of UAVs to be procured for the three services, and the second for attack helicopters.

Among these, the study concerning UAVs has concluded, recommending the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs.