More Israeli UAV for Indian navy

[A.V.]

India's navy has operational requirements for additional unmanned air vehicles made by Israel Aerospace Industries, sources say, with these to potentially include improved Heron or Heron-TP systems carrying maritime sensor payloads. Evaluations using some systems have already been carried out, they add.
The Indian navy in January stood up its second UAV squadron, with its current IAI-produced Heron and Searcher II systems facing increased operational demand. This has led to indications within recent weeks that additional contracts could be placed with IAI, the sources say.
In addition to having already provided UAVs to the Indian navy, IAI is also equipping the service with additional equipment, such as the Barak-8 air defence missile.

 

[Tshering22]

What's with the UAV obsession for the IN? I thought they have moved to UCAV stage already.

 

[sorcerer]

India moves closer to acquiring Heron TP

The Indian air force is moving ahead with implementation of a plan to purchase the Israel Aerospace Industries Heron TP unmanned air vehicle, having joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June.

India is operating the Heron 1 and other smaller Israeli UAVs, but the purchase of a strategic system such as the Heron TP had until recently been put on hold.

Israel is not a member of the regime, which aims to restrict the proliferation of missile technology, but has agreed to export its strategic weapon systems only to member countries.

Last year, India’s Economic Times claimed the government had quietly approved the purchase of 10 armed Heron TP UAVs from Israel. New Delhi has also previously shown interest in the Israeli Arrow surface-to-air anti-ballistic missile system.

By joining the MTCR, India will be able to open negotiations to purchase the Heron TP. While the Arrow interceptor is funded partially by the USA, the Heron TP can be exported.

AirTeamImages

The Heron TP is currently heavily used for classified missions for all the Israeli defence forces branches, and has been selected by the German air force for its surveillance UAV requirement.

The UAV has a 40h endurance, maximum take-off weight of 5,300kg (11,685lb), and carries a typical mission payload of 1,000kg.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-moves-closer-to-acquiring-heron-tp-430444/

 

[armyofhind]

What's with the UAV obsession for the IN? I thought they have moved to UCAV stage already.

Different uses for both.

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[rkhanna]

"
What's with the UAV obsession for the IN? I thought they have moved to UCAV stage already.
"

Which UCAV? What is available?

UAV's are now critical bread and butter for IN now and should not be a surprise. Cost effective Littoral Surveillance, OTH targeting. OTH Communication, CTR for a VBSS / Amphib team / Security Perimeter Surv for Aircraft Carriers, Air Bases, etc.