India to Acquire Satellite-Linked Heron Mk II UAVs | 02 Dec 2025
Why in News?
India has placed fresh emergency procurement orders for additional satellite-linked Heron Mk II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) following lessons from Operation Sindoor.
Key Points
- Tri-Service Induction: The Army and Air Force are expanding their existing Heron Mk II fleets, while the Navy is inducting the platform for the first time.
- The Indian Navy will shift from older Israeli Searcher UAVs to the more advanced Heron Mk II platform for maritime surveillance.
- Operational Deployment: The Indian Army has already positioned Heron Mk II drones at forward bases in the northern sector for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance duties.
- Combat Value: UAVs like the Heron Mk II are crucial for detecting, tracking and neutralising high-value threats, including advanced air defence systems.
- Emergency Limits: Under emergency procurement rules, systems worth up to ₹300 crore can be acquired without lengthy procedures.
- Indigenisation Push: Israeli defence industries are collaborating with Indian public and private companies to localise production, training, maintenance and system integration in line with “Make in India”.
Heron Mk II
- High Performance: Heron Mk II is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV capable of carrying nearly 500 kg of payload and flying continuously for over 24 hours.
- Advanced Sensors: It provides all-weather intelligence through Synthetic Aperture Radar, electro-optical systems and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) sensors.
- Remote Operations: Encrypted satellite communication and fully automated take-off/landing enable beyond-line-of-sight missions, flexible planning and deployment across varied operational theatres.