The Indian Army is set to enhance its surveillance capabilities along the Punjab border by deploying Drishti-10 medium-altitude, long-endurance drones at a forward base in the Punjab sector. Adani Defence, an Indian firm, is expected to deliver these drones to the force within the next two to three months. The procurement, done under emergency provisions, emphasizes the necessity for the supplied systems to be over 60% indigenous and align with the ‘Make in India’ initiative in Defence.
Having ordered two of these drones, the Indian Army intends to utilize them in the Punjab sector, covering a substantial area, including the desert sector and areas to the north of Punjab. This move complements the existing use of Heron Mark 1 and Mark 2 drones, with additional orders placed for Drishti-10 or Hermes-900 drones as part of the government-approved emergency procurements.
Adani Defence collaborated with the Israeli firm Elbit for technology transfer related to the drones, asserting that 70% of the drones have been indigenized, and efforts are ongoing to increase this percentage. The recent unveiling of the drones in Hyderabad by Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Director General Army Aviation Lt Gen Ajay Suri marked a significant development.
The Indian Navy plans to position these drones in Porbandar to monitor the maritime boundary with Pakistan and the high seas. Notably, the BiRa drones boast an impressive capability to fly for over 30 hours and cover a distance of approximately 2,000 km in a single flight.
