Adani Defence and Aerospace has handed over a second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing the force’s capabilities for maritime security, including monitoring shipping routes and combating piracy. After delivering the first Drishti-10 to the Indian Navy earlier this year, the induction of the second unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), modeled on Israel’s Hermes 900 medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, has begun for maritime operations at Porbandar, Gujarat, according to informed sources.
Manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility, the Drishti-10 Starliner is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. It offers an endurance of 36 hours and a payload capacity of 450 kg.
As the only all-weather military UAV certified under NATO’s STANAG 4671 airworthiness standards, it is authorized for operations in both segregated and unsegregated airspace. The drone supports over-the-horizon, multi-payload autonomous operations enabled by satellite communication (Satcom).
The Drishti-10 acts as a force multiplier, equipping the Indian Navy with enhanced capabilities to oversee expansive maritime zones and deliver superior situational awareness. Its integration represents the first deployment of such advanced payloads on a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) platform, setting a new benchmark in maritime surveillance capabilities. MALE UAVs, operating at altitudes of 10,000 to 30,000 feet, are designed for extended missions lasting 24 to 48 hours, primarily for reconnaissance and monitoring.
Adani Defence previously supplied the Drishti-10 to the Indian Army, which plans to station the drone at its Bathinda base in Punjab to enhance surveillance along the western border with Pakistan.
The Drishti-10 has demonstrated its robust performance in challenging environments, from maritime operations in Porbandar to high-altitude missions in the Himalayas. Its ability to function reliably above 32,000 feet with significant payload and endurance underscores its resilience and innovative design, affirming India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
In just under three years, Adani Defence has achieved a milestone that typically takes five to six years in the industry, delivering MALE UAV technology to both the Army and Navy. This achievement reflects not only a technical breakthrough but also a strategic vision for strengthening India’s defense ecosystem.
During a recent visit to the Porbandar base, Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, VSM, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), reviewed the UAV operations and engaged with the Adani Defence team, led by AVM KVR Raju, VM (Retd.), Technical Head of UAVs and Missiles.
The induction of the Drishti-10 Starliner is a landmark in India’s path toward defense self-sufficiency, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Adani Defence and the Indian Navy to safeguard national maritime interests effectively.
Adani Defence & Aerospace, a part of the Adani Group, is a key player in India’s growing defense and aerospace sector. The company focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing advanced systems for defense, aviation, and homeland security. Its portfolio includes products and services such as unmanned aerial systems, avionics, radar systems, and small arms manufacturing. With state-of-the-art facilities and strategic collaborations with global leaders, Adani Defence aims to support India’s vision of achieving self-reliance in defense production under the “Make in India” initiative. By fostering innovation and enhancing indigenous capabilities, the company is positioned to play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s defense infrastructure and driving technological excellence.
