Overview
- India has signed up for additional satellite-linked Heron Mk II UAVs through emergency procurement following Operation Sindoor, with quantities undisclosed and details sourced to Israeli defence-industry officials.
- The Navy will induct the platform for the first time as the Army and Air Force, already operating the type, place further orders.
- Emergency procurement rules allow Service Headquarters to sign direct contracts up to ₹300 crore, accelerating acquisitions outside the standard process.
- The tri-service Request for Proposal for 87 MALE UAVs remains active under Make in India, with HAL–IAI and Elcom–IAI teams, Adani with Elbit, and L&T with General Atomics preparing bids.
- IAI says it is working with HAL and Elcom to manufacture an Indian version of the Heron Mk II with significant technology transfer and a target of about 60% indigenous content.