Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, unveiled the first India-made long-endurance Drishti 10 Starliner drone for the Indian Navy at Adani Defence’s drone unveiling ceremony. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) technology for maritime operations.
The indigenous Drishti 10 Starliner drone, manufactured in India, is set to be inducted into naval maritime operations. The unveiling ceremony showcased the advanced capabilities of the drone, which embarked on its journey from Telangana’s Hyderabad to Porbandar in Gujarat.
Key Features of Drishti 10 Starliner:
- Advanced ISR Platform: The drone is equipped with state-of-the-art Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities.
- Long Endurance: Boasting a 36-hour endurance, the Drishti 10 Starliner ensures prolonged operational capabilities.
- Payload Capacity: With a 450kg payload capacity, the drone is designed for versatile mission requirements.
- Airspace Clearance: The drone has clearance to fly in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar commended the milestone, stating, “Bhartiya Nau Sena has been operating UAVs for over two decades. Indigenisation of drones like Drishti 10 will help us to get these capabilities indigenously. Drishti would be a force multiplier as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform,” as quoted by news agency ANI.
Admiral R Hari Kumar also praised Adani for aligning their roadmap with the Indian Navy’s requirements and establishing an ecosystem of partners and capabilities to promote Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence and security.
He remarked, “This is a momentous occasion and a transformative step in India’s quest for self-reliance in ISR technology and maritime supremacy. Adani has demonstrated its commitment to unmanned systems, having worked systematically over the last many years to develop local capabilities not limited to manufacturing but sustenance through MRO. Drishti 10 Starliner’s integration into our naval operations will enhance our naval capabilities, strengthening our preparedness for the ever-evolving maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.