“Game-Changer Alert: India Unveils Super Drones with Unprecedented Border Control Abilities!”
In a significant development bolstering India’s security capabilities, the Indian Air Force has introduced state-of-the-art Heron Mark 2 drones, now fully operational from an advanced air base in the northern sector. These advanced drones exhibit an exceptional capability – they can effectively cover the entire stretch of borders shared with both Pakistan and China in a single strategic mission. As reported by ANI, Squadron Leader Arpit Tandon, an accomplished pilot skilled in operating the Heron Mark 2 drone, highlighted the numerous advantages inherent in this new iteration, surpassing its predecessors that were initially integrated into the IAF during the early 2000s.
The specialized unit entrusted with the operation of the Heron Mark 2 drones, colloquially referred to as the ‘Guardians of the North,’ has been conscientiously conducting surveillance missions along the shared borders with both China and Pakistan. These cutting-edge drones have been equipped with the latest satellite communication links, firmly establishing their status as the most advanced and sophisticated drones within the Indian armed forces.
Expounding on the technological capabilities, Squadron Leader Tandon elaborated, “The Heron Mark 2’s payloads and onboard avionics are meticulously engineered to function flawlessly even in sub-zero temperatures and the most demanding weather conditions. This remarkable technological prowess empowers the Indian Air Force to assert a robust presence across diverse terrains with unparalleled precision.”
List of Drones Used by Indian Armed Forces
India is developing and using many types of drones (UAVs) for military use. These are made for different purposes like surveillance, target practice, and combat. Some are developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), others through partnerships with private companies or international collaborations.
Key Indian Military Drones
- DRDO Abhyas – A fast drone used for target practice by the military.
- DRDO Ghatak – A stealth combat drone (UCAV) being made for airstrikes without a pilot.
- DRDO Archer – Details limited, but it’s a part of DRDO’s drone projects.
- India-US ALUAV – A target drone developed together by India and the USA.
- RUAV 200 – A rotary (helicopter-style) UAV for various uses.
- Adani Hermes 900 – A large surveillance drone built with Israeli technology.
- Trinetra UAV – Used for aerial monitoring and intelligence.
- HAL CATS Warrior – A combat drone under HAL’s CATS program. Designed to work with fighter jets.
- DRDO Rustom – A medium-altitude, long-endurance drone for all three armed forces. It may replace Heron drones.
- TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom-II) – A large surveillance drone, like the US Predator drone.
Target Practice & Recon Drones
- DRDO Fluffy – Early target drone; now retired.
- DRDO Imperial Eagle – A lightweight mini drone for security forces.
- DRDO Kapothaka – A small test drone that led to the Nishant drone.
- DRDO Lakshya – Used for training and target practice with realistic flight patterns.
- DRDO Netra – A small surveillance drone built with Mumbai-based IdeaForge.
- DRDO Nishant – Used for spying, target marking, and intelligence.
- DRDO Ulka – A target drone launched from aircraft, simulating enemy jets.
Rotary & Naval Drones
- IAI-HAL NRUAV – A naval helicopter drone made by HAL and an Israeli company.
Mini & Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs)
- NAL/ADE Black Kite – A micro drone developed by DRDO and NAL.
- NAL/ADE Golden Hawk – Another micro air vehicle under India’s MAV program.
- NAL/ADE Pushpak – Also part of India’s micro drone projects.
- NAL Slybird – A small drone used by police and military. Can fly up to 1 hour with a range of 10 km.
- PAWAN UAV – A mid-sized drone similar to Israel’s Hermes 180, used for day-night monitoring.
Conclusion
These drones are vital for India’s defence, especially to deal with threats like rogue drones from Pakistan or spy drones from China. In the future, drone warfare will become more common, so India is wisely investing in this technology to stay prepared.