Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:45am on 03 Dec 2025,Wednesday Defence
India will procure additional satellite-linked Heron MK II drones under emergency provisions following their successful deployment in Operation Sindoor. The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs, currently operated by the Indian Army and Air Force, will now join the Indian Navy. Israel Aerospace Industries confirmed all three armed forces branches selected the Heron MK II for emergency procurement, though exact numbers remain undisclosed. The drones reach 35,000 feet altitude and remain airborne for 45 consecutive hours. IAI plans manufacturing in India through partners HAL and Elcom, targeting 60% indigenous content under the "Make in India" initiative. The Defence Ministry's September RFP seeks 87 MALE drones with foreign collaboration permitted.
