Adani Defence Hands Over Second Drishti-10 Drone to the Indian Navy
The second Drishti-10, based on Israel's Hermes 900 UAV, joined naval operations in Porbandar, Gujarat, following the successful deployment of the first unit earlier this year.
Nigam Sharma5 Dec, 2024
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Adani Defence Hands Over Second Drishti-10 Drone to the Indian Navy: India’s maritime security capabilities have received a significant boost with the delivery of the second Drishti-10 Starliner UAV by Adani Defence and Aerospace to the Indian Navy. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a crucial element in bolstering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, showcases the growing capabilities of indigenous defence manufacturing under India’s "Make in India" initiative.
This delivery marks an important milestone in the integration of cutting-edge technology with national security objectives, further strengthening India’s position as a regional power in the Indo-Pacific.Drishti-10 Starliner Overview
The Drishti-10 Starliner , a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, is based on Israel's Hermes 900 and customized to meet India’s specific defence needs. Manufactured at Adani’s state-of-the-art Hyderabad facility, this drone is tailored to enhance operational readiness in both maritime and land-based scenarios.| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operational Endurance | Up to 36 hours |
| Payload Capacity | 450 kg |
| Operational Altitude | Above 32,000 feet |
| Weather Adaptability | Certified under NATO STANAG 4671 standards |
| Technology | SATCOM-based operations, over-the-horizon functionality |
Strategic Advantages of Drishti-10 Starliner for Maritime Surveillance
The second Drishti-10 UAV was handed over to the Navy after the successful deployment of the first unit at Porbandar, Gujarat, earlier this year. These drones are already transforming India’s maritime surveillance efforts, offering several strategic benefits:- Enhanced Area Coverage : With its extended endurance and high operational altitude, the Drishti-10 can monitor large swathes of the Indian Ocean, ensuring continuous vigilance.
- Advanced Payload Capabilities : The drone features cutting-edge payload integration, including electro-optical sensors, radar systems, and communication intelligence tools. These components provide real-time intelligence to naval command centers.
- SATCOM-Enabled Operations : The satellite communication capabilities of the UAV enable seamless over-the-horizon surveillance, making it a critical asset for India’s maritime security.
- All-Weather Reliability : Certified under NATO standards, the Drishti-10 can operate in diverse weather conditions, ensuring mission readiness during critical scenarios.
Expanding Operational Roles of Drishti-10 Starliner
The Drishti-10 Starliner is not limited to maritime operations. It has also been deployed by the Indian Army for monitoring the western border with Pakistan, stationed at its Bhatinda base in Punjab. This dual-service deployment underscores its versatility in addressing various operational requirements.- Border Surveillance : The UAV plays a crucial role in monitoring infiltration attempts and smuggling activities along India’s borders, particularly in regions with challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions.
- Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance : The drone’s ability to provide real-time aerial imagery and communication capabilities makes it invaluable during natural disasters and humanitarian operations.
Adani Defence’s Role in Indigenous Innovation
The delivery of the Drishti-10 within a compressed timeline of three years highlights the growing prowess of India’s defence manufacturing sector. Typically, the development cycle for such advanced UAVs spans five to six years, making this achievement a testament to Adani Defence’s technological and operational efficiency. The Drishti-10 is part of a broader vision to enhance self-reliance in defence production. Adani Defence has collaborated closely with Israel’s Elbit Systems, combining global expertise with local innovation to create a UAV tailored for India’s unique security needs. Additionally, the Hyderabad facility has emerged as a hub for high-technology defence manufacturing, creating jobs, fostering skill development, and contributing to India’s broader economic and strategic goals.Impact on India’s Maritime Security
India’s geopolitical position makes maritime security a top priority. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a vital corridor for global trade, but it is also fraught with security challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, and geopolitical tensions.- Deterrence Against Hostile Activities : The Drishti-10 UAVs significantly enhance India’s capability to detect and deter hostile activities in the IOR, including tracking foreign vessels and submarines.
- Strengthening EEZ Monitoring : With an operational range suited for India’s vast EEZ, these drones are critical for ensuring resource security and sovereignty.
- Building Regional Cooperation : By sharing actionable intelligence with regional allies, India can play a leading role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the Drishti-10 represents a significant technological leap, there are challenges in scaling such projects. These include the high cost of production, the need for continuous innovation, and dependency on critical components from global suppliers. To address these challenges, India is focusing on:- Expanding Domestic Production : Increasing local manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependency on imports.
- Strengthening R&D : Enhancing research efforts to develop next-generation UAVs with improved features and autonomous capabilities.
- Collaborating with Global Partners : Building partnerships to acquire and integrate advanced technologies.
Adani Defence Hands Over Second Drishti-10 Drone to the Indian Navy FAQs
Q1. What is the Drishti-10 Starliner drone?
Ans. The Drishti-10 Starliner is an advanced surveillance drone, derived from Israel's Hermes 900 UAV, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Q2. Who manufactures the Drishti-10 Starliner?
Ans. It is manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility, emphasizing India's indigenous defense capabilities.
Q3. What are the key features of the Drishti-10 Starliner drone?
Ans. The drone offers 36 hours of endurance, a payload capacity of 450 kg, SATCOM-based operations, and the ability to fly above 32,000 feet in all weather conditions.
Q4. Why is the Drishti-10 significant for the Indian Navy?
Ans. The Drishti-10 enhances the Navy’s maritime surveillance and situational awareness, aiding in monitoring vast territories and combating piracy effectively.
Q5. What certification does the Drishti-10 hold?
Ans. It has NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification, allowing safe operation in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
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