The Israeli Heron Mk II will enhance the Indian Army's strength, a deal with Israel is complete; enemies will be terrified by its speed.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Following the successful use of the Heron Mk-2 in Operation Sindoor, India has signed an emergency agreement with Israel to procure additional batches of these satellite-linked drones to enhance its defence capabilities.

An official from the Israeli defense industry gave this information. An official from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) said that the Heron MK-2 drones are already in the Indian Army and Air Force and will now be inducted into the Navy as well.

According to the official, in September, the Ministry of Defence issued an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the purchase of 87 MALE drones, focusing on the 'Make in India' program. "India is a key customer for us. Our partnership spans three decades and generations," the official said.

Know the specialty of this drone system

The Heron Mk-2 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone, capable of reaching altitudes of 35,000 feet and staying airborne for up to 45 hours at a stretch. In addition to the Israeli Air Force, this drone is used by 20 military units worldwide.

He stated that IAI intends not only to supply these advanced systems but also to manufacture them in India. The company intends to manufacture these systems in India, thus creating an Indian version of the Heron. This ambitious approach includes significant efforts for technology transfer and a target of using over 60 percent Indian manufacturing content.

Israeli company survives race to supply refueller aircraft

India issued a tender for the purchase of six mid-air refueling aircraft under the Make in India program. This program requires vendors to agree to use approximately 30 percent Made in India content. Therefore, IAI is the only candidate left in the race for this ₹8,000 crore deal, as per the program.

Russian and European companies also participated in the tender, but they were unable to meet the requirements. IAI Executive Vice President Yehuda Lahav declined to say where the aircraft would be manufactured if his company won the contract.

Defence sources said that if the deal with IAI is finalised, it will modify six old and second-hand Boeing-767 commercial aircraft into tanker aircraft. The Indian Air Force currently has Russian-origin I-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft in its fleet, which support air and naval operations. The IAF has made several attempts to procure six more mid-air refuelling aircraft over the past 15 years, but has failed to do so due to various reasons.

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