The government has approved the purchase of 10 missile-armed drones from Israel. The acquisition is worth $400-million. These drones will be operated by the Indian Air Force. Israel’s armed Heron drones are similar to the Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are capable of reconnaissance, combat and support roles. India already operates a fleet of unarmed Heron and Searcher UAVs for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Advantage of The acquisition:
- UAVs will be a big capability enhancer for India and give it the option of taking out large terrorist camps or individual targets in hostile territory with minimal risk.
What are Heron drones?
- It is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace Industries.
- It is capable of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) operations
- Heron drones can carry a payload of over 1,000 kg.
- It will be equipped with air-to-ground missiles that detect, track and take down targets deep in enemy territory.
India and Heron:
India already had about 12 Heron-1 drones before the 2005 sale.
With 22.5% of all UAV imports over the 1985-2014 period, India has topped the list of unmanned aerial systems importers.
Other Countries:
As of 2011, leased Herons or Heron variants are operating in Afghanistan on behalf of the Australian, Canadian, French, and German armed forces; and have participated in demonstrations involving US SOUTHCOM and its Latin American partners. Subsequent years have also seen confirmed or rumored export sales to Brazil’s federal police, Ecuador’s navy, Singapore’s armed forces, and Turkey.
G.K. Related Question:
Which is the Capital of Israel?
