Adani Group Unveils Drishti 10 'Starliner' for Naval Operations

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: On January 10, 2024, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Navy, officially commenced the Israeli Drishti-10 starliner Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Hyderabad. This UAV is manufactured by Adani Defence & Aerospace. | Source: Dinakar Peri

 On January 10, Adani Defence and Aerospace unveiled the Drishti 10 'Starliner' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a state-of-the-art intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. The unveiling ceremony, presided over by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, saw the flag-off of the indigenous UAV.
Adm. Kumar emphasized the increasing preference for autonomous systems in the Order of Battle for Nations worldwide during the unveiling ceremony of the Drishti-10 starliner Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV. This Adani-built UAV is a variant of the Hermes-900 UAV developed by Elbit Systems of Israel, boasting over 70% indigenous content.
Adm. Kumar underscored the challenges posed by autonomous systems falling into the hands of non-state actors and terrorists, citing recent maritime incidents in the Northern Arabian Sea. The Navy Chief acknowledged the changing landscape of contemporary warfare, highlighting the crucial role of autonomous systems. He pointed out that both of India's immediate neighbors possess a substantial inventory of UAVs, emphasizing the need for the nation to stay ahead of the curve by leveraging its resident expertise in autonomous technologies.
Addressing concerns about the escalating drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Adm. Kumar revealed that there had been 35 drone attacks in the last 40 to 42 days, primarily targeting Israel-owned ships or those linked to Israel in the Red Sea, North Arabian Sea, and Central Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy, in response, collected debris samples from the attacked vessels for forensic examination to determine the origin of the attacks.

The Drishti-10 starliner UAV, equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, enhanced endurance, advanced communication capabilities, and technologies like Automatic Take Off and Landing (ATOL), is poised to be a potent force multiplier. Adm. Kumar highlighted its role in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) across the Indian Ocean Region, offering versatility and flexibility through modularity and ground support equipment mobility. Navy personnel are undergoing training, and the UAV is expected to be inducted into service in February.
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, emphasized the timely delivery of the UAV to the Indian Navy as a testament to their quality management processes and collaboration with partners. The first UAV, carrying 75 Navy personnel, is set to be inducted into naval maritime operations after leaving Hyderabad for Porbandar.
Director General Army Aviation Lt. Gen. A. K. Suri mentioned that the Army anticipates receiving the Drishti-10s in the next 2-3 months. The event highlighted the robust defense and aerospace ecosystem in Hyderabad, with Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of Industries, Commerce, and Information Technology, Telangana, praising the city's maturity in these sectors.
Under the fourth tranche of emergency procurements, all three branches of the Indian military have acquired Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs from Israel, with the Army and Navy procuring the Hermes 900 and the Indian Air Force opting for the Heron Mk2. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan has commissioned studies on major military platforms, including UAVs and armored helicopters, with recommendations for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance UAVs and 155 more MALE UAVs.
As the procurement deal for the MQ-9B UAVs advances, there is also a substantial upgrade plan for the Heron to Mk2, estimated to cost ₹21,000 crore, focusing on weaponization and facilitating SATCOM capability. Although the plan has faced delays, officials express confidence in its imminent approval. Additionally, the Army is contemplating the creation of a separate cadre of UAV operators, with the proposal currently under consideration by the Army Headquarters.
Elbit Systems describes the Hermes 900 Starliner as a "powerful and trend-setting" MALE UAV with adverse weather capabilities, certified for safe integration into civilian airspace, and capable of flying alongside manned aircraft. The developments in autonomous systems showcased by the Indian Navy reflect the global trend of nations adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare, emphasizing the significance of technological advancements in maintaining national security. 

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