Defexpo 2022: Indian Army and Indian Air Force inducting Heron Mk II UCAVs

Source : Janes

A model mock-up of the IAI Heron Mk 2 displayed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited during Defexpo 2022 shows the aircraft with six wing hardpoints. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)

The Indian military is in the process of acquiring a number of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron Mk II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to supplement its existing fleet of Herons. A proposal to manufacture the aircraft in India under licence is also being discussed, Janes has learnt during Defexpo 2022, being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 18 to 22 October .

IAI is said to be delivering a batch of Heron Mk IIs to the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of an emergency procurement. Janes understands that the initial delivery comprises an estimated 10 aircraft. The army had not commented on the matter to Janes at the time of publication.