According to information published by the Hindu on November 8, 2023, the Indian Armed Forces have recently contracted additional Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) from Israel.
This acquisition, part of the fourth tranche of emergency procurements authorized by the government, includes two MALE UAS for each of the three services, with deliveries expected early next year.
The Army and Navy have opted for the Hermes 900, manufactured by Elbit Systems, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) has chosen the Heron Mk2 from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This decision follows the Army’s previous procurement of four Heron-Mk2 UAS in 2021, which were inducted last year.
India; Navy orders Hermes 900 UAV from Israel