Adani Defense & Aerospace has recently delivered a second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities and strengthening efforts to combat piracy threats. is
The second Vision-10, a variant of Israel’s Hermes 900 medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, was integrated into naval operations in Gujarat’s Porbandar following the successful deployment of the first drone earlier this year.
Manufactured by Adani Defense and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility, the Drishti 10 Starliner drone is a sophisticated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform, boasting a 36-hour endurance and a payload capacity of 450 kg, making it ideal for naval operations. Makes an invaluable asset.
The Vision 10 is the only military platform approved to operate in all weather conditions, with NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification for the airworthiness of its UAV system. This certification allows the platform to fly in both segregated and non-segregated airspace.
According to sources, Drishti 10 Horizon offers continuous multi-payload capabilities, fully autonomous functions, and satcom-based operations. It acts as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy, enabling efficient surveillance of vast sea areas and enhancing situational awareness.
This marks the historic integration of advanced payload suites on the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) platform for the first time, providing the Indian Navy with unique capabilities for maritime surveillance. Adani Defense also handed over the Drishti-10 Starliner to the Indian Army. The Indian Navy received the first Drishti-10 Starliner in January, followed by the second delivery to the Army in June.
The first of the two drones ordered by the Indian Army will be deployed at the Bathinda base in Punjab to monitor the entire western border with Pakistan.
The successful flight operations of Drishti 10 in Porbandar and Bathinda, operated by the Indian Navy and the Indian Army, represent a significant advancement in India’s indigenous unmanned defense capabilities.
Drishti 10, the only indigenous UAV in India capable of operating above 32,000 feet with a large payload capacity and enhanced endurance, has demonstrated its resilience in challenging conditions including the harsh Himalayan terrain and weather. This demonstration highlights India’s innovative capacity and strength under pressure, demonstrating our commitment to protect and advance our strategic interests.
Moreover, the Vision 10 Starliner represents more than just a single achievement – it represents a comprehensive vision for the future of India’s defense sector. Within a tight timeframe of less than three years, Adani Defense has achieved what the industry typically requires five to six years, successfully delivering MALE UAV capability to both the Indian Army and Navy.
During a recent visit to the Porbandar base, Rear Admiral Janak Bewli, VSM, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air), monitored the ongoing operations and AVM KVR Raju, VM (Retd), Tech. Interacted with Adani defense team led. Chief of UAVs and Missiles.
The integration of this technology marks a significant moment in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense innovation, reflecting the seamless partnership between Adani Defense and the Indian Navy. This cooperation reflects a shared commitment to protect maritime interests and represents an important step towards national security.
(with PTI inputs)
