Heron Mk II UAVs

Why in News?

The Indian armed forces have signed contracts for additional satellite-linked Heron Mk II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) under emergency procurement.

• Heron MK-II – It is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle.
  • MALE UAV – Built to fly between 10,000 and 30,000 feet for long periods, often more than 24 hours, nonstop.
  • It bridges the gap between smaller tactical drones and larger high-altitude systems, offering the right mix of endurance, payload, and cost-efficiency.
• Developed by – Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI).

Key Features

• Endurance – more than 24 hours (some 45 hours) of continuous flight (without refuelling)
• Altitude – Operates at altitudes up to 35,000 feet
• Speed – Maximum of 150 knots
• Payload Capacity – Approximately 500 kg (half a tonne)
• Sensors & Systems –
  • It supports multiple payloads simultaneously, including Electro-Optics, Radars, ELINT, COMINT, ESM, and Communication Relay systems.
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) – Provides high-resolution imaging even in poor visibility
  • Electro-Optical Systems – Day/night surveillance capability
  • SIGINT Sensors – Signals intelligence for electronic warfare and monitoring adversary communications
• Operational Capabilities – Its fully automated take-off and landing systems, coupled with encrypted satellite communication, enable remote operations, flexible mission planning and deployment across varied theatres without ground-based line-of-sight control.
• Uses – Can carry advanced sensors for surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
  • In India, Heron drones are primarily deployed for long-range surveillance on both the Chinese and Pakistan frontiers and have proven highly effective.
• Global Use – It is already operational with the Israeli Air Force and over 20 other entities worldwide.
• Future Partnership – Now, IAI is focused on manufacturing the MK-II in India through partnerships with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Elcom.
  • Aim – To manufacture the systems in India, creating an Indian version of the Heron - not only the MK-II but other systems as well.

References

1. The Hindu | India to procure more satellite-linked Heron Mk II UAVs

2. IAI | Heron MK II