The Indian government has quietly approved the purchase of 10 missile-armed UAS from Israel — a crucial acquisition that will enhance India’s cross-border military strike capability. The $400-million proposal for buying armed Heron TP UAS from Israel was cleared last week.
These aircraft 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.
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.