Government approves $400-million plan to
procure armed Heron TP drones from Israel.
11 Sep, 2015, 0400 hrs IST, Manu Pubby, ET
Bureau
In pic: Heron TP, an advanced, multi-purpose
MALE UAS with an extended performance
envelope and a variety of payloads capability.
NEW DELHI: The government has quietly
approved the purchase of 10 missile-armed
drones from Israel — a crucial acquisition that will
enhance India's cross-border military strike
capability. The $400-million proposal for buying
armed Heron TP drones from Israel was cleared
last week.
These drones will be operated by the Indian Air
Force, which has a fleet of reconnaissance
drones. IAF also has a fleet of Harpy UAVs from
Israel, which are self-destructing systems
primarily tasked with taking out enemy radar
positions.
Senior defence ministry officials told ET on the
condition of anonymity that the project has been
accelerated under directions from the highest
levels of government and that armed drones may
join service within a year. The armed forces had
proposed buying the same armed drones in 2012.
But that proposal did not get political backing in
UPA-2, senior officials said. Officials ET spoke
with said the project was revived and fasttracked
by the Modi government earlier this year. Israel's
armed Heron drones are similar to the Predator
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are capable
of reconnaissance, combat and support roles.
Heron drones can carry a payload of over 1,000
kg and will be equipped with air-to-ground
missiles that detect, track and take down targets
deep in enemy territory.
India already operates a fleet of unarmed Heron
and Searcher UAVs for surveillance and
intelligence gathering.
The addition of armed UAVs will be a big
capability enhancer for India and give it the option
of taking out large terrorist camps or individual
targets in hostile territory with minimal risk.
Former Air Chief PV Naik said the acquisition of
armed drones would be a significant addition to
India's air power. "It is very good if something
like this is happening. Instead of sending a pilot
in a high-risk area, it is best to use an armed
drone. The system can also be used for a
surprise, sneak attack," he said.
Another official said the lack of capability to
target terror camps across the border was also
felt after the Manipur attack in June, which
resulted in the deaths of 18 soldiers. While a
covert cross-border raid was carried out in
retaliation, the lack of a low-risk, quick reaction
platform to take out cross-border targets was
severely felt.
While India is pursuing an indigenous drone
programme - Rustom 2 - being developed by the
Defence Research and Development Organisation,
the project is several years away from
weaponised induction. Armed flight trials are yet
to be carried out.
A senior team from Israel Aerospace Industries is
in New Delhi currently. Israelis are exploring joint
production of drones with India.
Government approves $400-million plan to procure armed Heron TP drones from Israel - The Economic Times
