India’s procurement of Heron Mk II UAVs
Context: Strengthening unmanned capabilities
Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces have accelerated unmanned capability enhancement.
Army and Air Force already operate Heron Mk II UAVs and have placed additional orders.
Indian Navy is acquiring the Heron Mk II for the first time, marking a major upgrade from its long-used Israeli Searcher UAVs.
Emergency procurement mechanism
Under current emergency procurement rules, armed forces can procure systems up to ₹300 crore without lengthy procedures.
This enables rapid acquisition in response to operational requirements.
Heron Mk II: Overview and significance
Satellite-linked Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV.
Known for:
High endurance
Versatility
Proven reliability in combat and surveillance environments
Indian Army has deployed Heron Mk II drones at forward bases in the northern sector, strengthening real-time surveillance and intelligence collection.
Developed by: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Category: Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV
Designed for long-duration intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Technical Specifications
Length: 8.5 m
Wingspan: 16.6 m
Maximum takeoff weight: 1,430 kg
Payload capacity: 490 kg
Endurance: Up to 45 hours
Operational ceiling: 35,000 ft
Operational range: Beyond 1,000 km
Connectivity: Satellite-linked for beyond-line-of-sight operations
Sensor and Surveillance Capabilities
Carries advanced sensor suites for long-range, border-safe ISR:
Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR)
Day–night imaging
Target tracking and identification
Electronic Intelligence (ELINT)
Intercepts and analyses electronic emissions
Detects enemy radars and communication systems
Communications Intelligence (COMINT)
Intercepts communication signals
Enhances situational awareness
Prelims Practice MCQS
Q. Heron Mk II UAV, recently procured by the Indian armed forces, belongs to which category?
A. High-altitude long-endurance UAV
B. Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAV
C. Tactical short-range UAV
D. Vertical takeoff rotary-wing UAV
Correct answer: B
Explanation: Heron Mk II is a MALE UAV designed for long ISR missions.
Q. The Heron Mk II’s advanced surveillance capability is mainly due to:
EO/IR systems
ELINT systems
COMINT systems
Heavy artillery integration
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1 and 2 only
Correct answer: A
Explanation: Heron Mk II carries EO/IR, ELINT and COMINT sensors; it is not armed with artillery.
Q. The payload capacity of the Heron Mk II UAV is closest to:
A. 120 kg
B. 250 kg
C. 490 kg
D. 900 kg
Correct answer: C
Explanation: The UAV can carry 490 kg of payload, including sensors and intelligence systems.