India Expands Heron Mk II Fleet to Boost UAV-Based Surveillance

India Places Fresh Orders for Heron Mk II Drones to Boost ISR Capabilities

India has advanced its unmanned intelligence and surveillance capabilities with new orders for satellite-enabled Heron Mk II drones. The procurement follows operational insights from Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the expanding role of UAVs in modern, high-intensity combat environments.

Army and Air Force Expand Fleets; Navy to Induct the Platform

Israeli defence sector sources confirm that both the Indian Army and Air Force—current operators of the Heron Mk II—have sought additional units to strengthen their ISR grids. In a major upgrade, the Indian Navy will induct the Heron Mk II for the first time, shifting from older Searcher UAVs to a more powerful platform better suited for maritime surveillance and long-duration missions over the Indian Ocean Region.

Emergency Procurement and Growing Role of UAVs

The acquisitions have been enabled under emergency procurement provisions, which allow the armed forces to procure systems worth up to ₹300 crore to address immediate tactical needs. Israeli officials note that drones now contribute to nearly 70% of battlefield tasks, ranging from real-time reconnaissance to deep-strike targeting support. Their ability to breach hostile air defences and deliver persistent surveillance has made them essential assets in contemporary military operations.

Capabilities of the Heron Mk II UAV

The Heron Mk II is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV capable of operating for over 24 hours while carrying close to 500 kg of modular payloads. Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar, electro-optical sensors, SIGINT systems and SATCOM links, the platform provides all-weather, day-night surveillance. Automated take-off and landing and remote operation via satellite enhance its deployment versatility.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Heron Mk II is a MALE-class UAV with endurance exceeding 24 hours .

• Payload capacity: ~500 kg .

• Key systems include SAR, EO/IR sensors, SIGINT and SATCOM .

• India has issued an RFP for 87 MALE UAVs under “Make in India”.

Indigenisation and Future Roadmap

To align with India’s defence self-reliance objectives, Israeli firms are partnering with domestic PSUs and private manufacturers to localise training, maintenance and system integration. These collaborations position industry stakeholders for participation in major upcoming tenders, including the defence ministry’s indigenous programme to procure 87 MALE drones under a model that permits foreign technology partnerships.