Adani Defence & Aerospace achieved a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology by unveiling the indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and handing it over to the Indian Navy. In a flag-off ceremony led by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, the advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform marked a momentous occasion in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities.
The Drishti 10 Starliner, boasting a remarkable 36 hours of endurance and a payload capacity of 450 kg, stands out as an all-weather military platform. Notably, it holds NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification, affirming the UAV system’s airworthiness and its capability to operate in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
Admiral R Hari Kumar praised Adani Defence & Aerospace for aligning its roadmap with the Navy’s requirements, emphasizing the establishment of an ecosystem fostering ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defense and security. He stated, “Drishti 10’s integration will enhance our naval capabilities, strengthening our preparedness in the ever-evolving maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.”
Honourable Minister of Industries & Commerce, IT, Electronics and Legislative Affairs of Telangana, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, commended Adani’s efforts in creating a vibrant ecosystem for unmanned systems at the Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad. He noted the facility’s world-class status, emphasizing the focus on innovation and indigenization as a testament to Indian ingenuity.
Adani Group Chairman, Mr. Gautam Adani, envisions creating a legacy supporting India’s advancement as an advanced and self-reliant nation, not just contributing to the armed forces but also positioning India as a technology leader.
Jeet Adani, VP, Adani Enterprises, highlighted the importance of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms in serving the armed forces and placing India on the global map for exports. He expressed pride in supporting the Indian Navy.
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, hailed the handover of the Drishti 10 Starliner UAV as a watershed moment in their journey toward self-sufficiency and indigenization of advanced technologies. He emphasized the on-time delivery to the Navy as a testament to robust quality management processes and excellent support from partners during the ten-month journey from contract to delivery.
Adani Aerospace Park, as the country’s first final assembly line in the private sector for military-grade unmanned systems, contributes to over 70% indigenization. The seamless integration of various units, including carbon aerostructures manufacturing, electronics and avionics, and EO IR payloads, solidifies Adani’s commitment to advancing India’s defense capabilities.
