Adani Drishti-10 Drone: Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing its ability to monitor shipping lines and reduce piracy risks. According to NDTV, after the delivery of the first Drishti-10 earlier this year, the induction of the second drone, a variant of Israel’s Hermes 900 medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, into naval operations began in Porbandar, Gujarat. This step strengthens India’s maritime capabilities.
Adani Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone Overview
The Drishti-10 Starliner drone, developed by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility, is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. With a 36-hour endurance and a 450 kg payload capacity, it is the only all-weather military UAV with NATO’s STANAG 4671 certifications for airworthiness. This certification allows the drone to operate in both segregated and unsegregated airspace, making it a versatile addition to military operations.
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R Adm Janak Bevli, VSM, Asst Chief of Naval Staff (Air) visited #NavalAirEnclave #Porbandar on 28 Nov 24 and reviewed Air operations & ongoing infra projects. The Admiral held discussions with #FOGNA and interacted with the Naval and Civilian staff of #NAE@Indiannavy@IN_WNC pic.twitter.com/SA7sAkB8vQ
— Gujarat Naval Area (@IN_GDD) November 29, 2024
The Drishti-10 Starliner UAV, developed by Adani Defence, offers over-the-horizon, persistent multi-payload, fully autonomous capabilities with satellite communication-based operations.
This advanced platform significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to monitor vast maritime territories, providing unparalleled situational awareness. It marks the first-ever integration of advanced payload suites onto a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, giving the Navy advanced surveillance capabilities.
MALE UAVs typically operate at altitudes between 10,000 to 30,000 feet and are used for surveillance with flight endurance ranging from 24 to 48 hours. Adani Defence previously delivered the Drishti-10 Starliner to the Indian Army in June, with the first unit delivered to the Navy in January.
The Indian Army has ordered two Drishti-10 Starliner drones, with the first being stationed at the Bhatinda base in Punjab, enabling surveillance of the entire western border with Pakistan.
The successful flight operations in Porbandar and Bhatinda by both the Indian Army and Navy showcase India’s progress in developing indigenous unmanned defence technology. The Drishti-10 stands out as India’s only UAV capable of operating reliably above 32,000 feet, with a large payload and impressive endurance. It has proven its resilience in tough conditions, including the challenging terrains of the Himalayas, highlighting India’s growing capacity for innovation and strength.
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Adani Defence has made impressive strides in a short time, delivering MALE UAV capabilities to both the Army and Navy in under three years—much faster than the usual five to six years for such technology. The recent visit by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli to the Porbandar base and his engagement with the Adani Defence team underscores the importance of this achievement.
This milestone in India’s self-reliance in defence technology reflects the strong collaboration between Adani Defence and the Indian Navy, underscoring the nation’s commitment to protecting its strategic interests.
