In a historic moment, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar flagged off Bharat’s first locally-made ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy. This technologically advanced UAV signifies a significant leap in Bharat’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and leadership in cutting-edge aerial systems.
The ‘Starliner’ is a state-of-the-art Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform boasting a remarkable 36-hour endurance, 450 kg payload capacity, and the unique certification to fly in all weather conditions. It has received the prestigious STANAG 4671 certification, making it the only all-weather military platform to achieve this feat, allowing it to operate seamlessly in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
Admiral R Hari Kumar expressed his enthusiasm about the occasion, stating that the integration of Drishti 10 into naval operations is a transformative step toward enhancing maritime capabilities and strengthening preparedness for evolving surveillance and reconnaissance needs.
The flag-off ceremony unfolded at the Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad, where Adani Defence and Aerospace has been diligently working to contribute to Bharat’s self-reliance in defense and security. The Adani Group has not only focused on manufacturing capabilities but also on sustaining these through Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) efforts.
Adani Defence and Aerospace have already established expertise in various domains such as small arms, unmanned aerial vehicles, radars, defense electronics, avionics, tactical communication systems, and electro-optical systems. This wide range of capabilities aims to support not only the Navy but also other paramilitary forces.
Adani Defence takes pride in having established India’s first UAV manufacturing facility and the first private sector small arms manufacturing facility. Currently, the organization is in the process of setting up India’s first comprehensive aircraft MRO facility, ensuring safety and airworthiness in accordance with international standards.
Acknowledging the emerging threat of rogue drones, Adani Defence is actively developing counter-drone systems for both defense and civilian applications. The comprehensive ecosystem of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capabilities across the defense supply chain positions Adani Defence well to integrate larger platforms in the future.
The Adani Group’s commitment to unmanned systems and the relentless pursuit of technological advancements showcases India’s determination to achieve self-reliance and global leadership in the defense sector. The ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ marks a pivotal moment in this journey, symbolizing a stride towards a more secure and technologically advanced future for the nation.
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