IAI in $958m Indian UAV upgrade deal

[Major Shaitan Singh]

The Indian media reports Israel Aerospace Industries will upgrade Searcher and Heron UAVs for the Indian armed forces.

The Indian media reports that Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) will upgrade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the Indian armed forces in a $958 million project.

The reports state that the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy operate a fleet of 150 UAVs procured from IAI, beginning in the 1990s. The Indian Army operates about 100 Searchers along the western, eastern, and northern borders, and the Indian Air Force Searcher II and Heron UAVs for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The sources add that, once the upgrades are complete, the Air Force will be able to use the aircraft for long-range missions and control them through satellite communication systems. The Indian Navy operates UAVs along India's eastern and western littorals.

IAI refused to respond to the report.

Collaboration between the Indian armed services and IAI has greatly expanded in recent years. Deals include a $1.4 billion contract signed two years ago for the supply of Barak ship defense missiles and other systems.

IAI in $958m Indian UAV upgrade deal - report - Globes

 

[Yogi]

already posted mate...
But anyways good news

www.defence.pk/forums/indian-defence/211012-israel-upgrade-150-uavs-india-under-rs-50-billion-project.html

 

[Abingdonboy]

$958MN for upgrading 150 drones works out at ~$6,000,000/UAV! I wonder what exactly India is getting for this kind of money-I'd expect A LOT!

 

[sudhir007]

what is the price of 1 Searchers-II and Heron UAV ???????????

 

[holysaturn]

the upgrade will turn this of IAF

into this

the extra bulge on the top must be for rnhanced SATCOM terminal.......

 

[Abingdonboy]

^^ I'm guessing the UAVs will get new EO sensors, new radars, software updates and there will also be upgrades to ground infrastructure like the operator stations.

^^ I'm guessing the UAVs will get new EO sensors, new radars, software updates and there will also be upgrades to ground infrastructure like the operator stations.

 

[holysaturn]

IAI boosts unmanned systems portfolio with Heron NG upgrade

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is offering an upgraded version of its best-selling unmanned air system (UAS), with the Heron NG to carry an enhanced multi-sensor payload.

Representing the fourth "spiral" development of the Heron, the NG has been designed to more effectively meet the operational requirements of IAI's customers.

Sources suggest the new multi-sensor payload will enable the UAS to perform its missions over any terrain, including forests, jungles or swamps, at sea or above urban areas. Imagery and other data acquired will be relayed using a satellite communications system provided by IAI's Elta Systems subsidiary.

The modification will provide for increased flexibility in flight profile, particularly in mountainous terrain and during long-range maritime patrols, as the aircraft will be able to descend below the data link's line of sight without interrupting transmissions.

It could also enable users to extend the air vehicle's operational range, with sources assessing the Heron NG could be flown up to 810nm (1,500km) from its operating base.

Other enhancements include the availability of an improved automatic take-off and landing system using both laser and differential GPS reference systems.
IAI boosts unmanned systems portfolio with Heron NG upgrade