The Indian Navy has accomplished a new milestone to its surveillance and exploration capabilities with the delivery of the first domestically produced medium altitude long endurance drones. Adani Defence and Aerospace, led by Adani Group, a major player in India’s defence sector, has joined forces with Indian Navy, signaling the country’s step toward self-reliance in ISR technology and maritime.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has carved a niche across diverse domains, surrounding small arms, unmanned aerial systems, radars, defence electronics & avionics, tactical communication systems, and electro-optical systems to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence and security. Their track record in supporting the Indian Armed Forces and para-military forces reflects their vision. Adani Defence has marked several milestones, including the establishment of India’s maiden unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing facility and the first private sector small arms manufacturing unit. Currently, they are in the process of setting up India’s first complete aircraft MRO facility in Nagpur.
The Drishti 10 Starliner unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as Elbit Hermes 900, were received by the Navy today. Manufactured at Adani Defence and Aerospace’s Hyderabad facility, these drones are set to play a crucial role in monitoring the Arabian Sea. The facility, currently expanding to become a manufacturing hub for missiles and UAVs, is heading Adani Group’s ambitious plans in the defence sector.
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar expressed satisfaction with the delivery, highlighting the drones’ potential to enhance Indian maritime operations. “This is a momentous occasion and a transformative step in India’s quest for self-reliance in ISR technology and maritime supremacy,” he stated during the commencement ceremony.
The Adani Group, partnering with Israel’s Elbit Systems for this venture, highlighted that 70% of the drones have been indigenized. Adani Defence and Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi praised the on-time delivery, pointing out that the Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad represents the country’s first final assembly line in the private sector for military-grade unmanned systems, tactical, and loitering drones.
The Drishti 10 Starliner UAVs boast an impressive 36 hours of endurance and a payload capacity of 450 kg, making them valuable assets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Four drones have been ordered by the armed forces, two for the army and two for the navy, with a combined value of approximately 550 crores. The army is expected to receive its first drone within the next three months.
The Hyderabad facility has a track record of exporting around 20 locally manufactured drones, reflecting India’s growing expertise in defence manufacturing. Currently, there is a larger requirement for this category of drones in the armed forces, with a proposal in progress to acquire 97 such platforms, including 20 for the Navy. The delivered drones will now undergo final tests in Porbandar before being officially introduced for maritime operations. The Adani Group’s march in the defence sector signifies a contribution to India’s self-sufficiency in advanced military technologies.
