Adani Defence has delivered the second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities. This marks a significant leap in India’s indigenous defence technology, underscoring the country’s focus on self-reliance. The Drishti-10 drone is a highly advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform designed to monitor vast maritime territories, mitigate piracy, and provide over-the-horizon surveillance with unmatched endurance.
Key Features of Drishti-10 Starliner Drone
The Drishti-10 Starliner drone, manufactured at Adani Defence’s Hyderabad facility, offers a 36-hour endurance and a 450 kg payload capacity. It is the only all-weather military UAV certified with NATO’s STANAG 4671 for airworthiness, allowing it to operate in both segregated and unsegregated airspace. The platform supports persistent multi-payload, fully autonomous capabilities and satellite communication-based operations, crucial for monitoring maritime threats.
Integration into Indian Armed Forces
The Indian Navy initiated operations with the second Drishti-10 drone at Porbandar, Gujarat. The first drone was delivered earlier this year, marking a significant milestone in enhancing naval surveillance. In addition to the Navy, the Indian Army has also deployed the Drishti-10, using it for surveillance along the western border in Punjab.
Drishti-10’s Role in India’s Defence Future
The induction of the Drishti-10 drone exemplifies India’s growing indigenous UAV capabilities. Despite being a new entrant, the drone has already demonstrated its resilience in harsh environments, such as the Himalayas, proving its reliability in tough terrains. This achievement highlights Adani Defence’s rapid progress, having delivered MALE UAV capabilities in less than three years, a feat traditionally taking five to six years in the industry.
Strengthening India’s Strategic Interests
The delivery of the Drishti-10 drones marks a significant shift in India’s defence capabilities, driven by a seamless collaboration between Adani Defence and the Indian Navy. It reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and advancing its self-reliance in defence technology. This integration sets the stage for India to dominate maritime surveillance, enhancing national security and strategic influence.
Summary of the news
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Adani Defence delivers 2nd Drishti-10 Starliner drone to the Indian Navy | – Drishti-10 Starliner drone enhances India’s maritime security capabilities. – Delivered by Adani Defence, part of Gautam Adani’s conglomerate. – Manufactured at Adani Defence’s Hyderabad facility. – Equipped with 36-hour endurance and 450 kg payload capacity. – First drone delivered in January 2024, second in Porbandar, Gujarat. |
| Drishti-10 Starliner Drone Details | – Type: MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV. – Endurance: 36 hours. – Payload capacity: 450 kg. – All-weather capability. – NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification for airworthiness. |
| UAV Operations | – Deployed for monitoring vast maritime territories. – Supports over-the-horizon surveillance and autonomous operations. |
| Indian Armed Forces Integration | – Indian Navy and Army have both integrated Drishti-10 UAVs. – Indian Navy operates second UAV from Porbandar base. – Indian Army uses the first UAV for surveillance at Bhatinda base (Punjab). |
| UAV Performance & Milestones | – Operates reliably above 32,000+ feet. – Proved resilient in tough terrains such as the Himalayas. |
| Adani Defence’s Achievements | – Delivered MALE UAV capabilities in under 3 years, significantly faster than the industry norm (5-6 years). |
| Strategic Importance | – Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology. – Reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime interests. |
| Rear Admiral Janak Bevli | – Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), reviewed UAV operations at Porbandar base. |
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