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Source: This post is based on the article“What is indigenously manufactured UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’?” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 January 2024.
Why in news?
The Indian Navy got its first indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone, the Drishti 10 Starliner unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
What is the Drishti 10 Starliner UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it? | It is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. |
| Developed by | Adani Defence and Aerospace with technology transfer from Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems. |
| Features | 1) It is India’s first indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone. 70% of the drone is made using indigenous components. 2) It is a variant of Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 Starliner drones. 3) The UAV will be officially inducted into naval maritime operations at Porbandar. 4) The Drishti 10 Starliner boasts an impressive 36 hours of endurance and a substantial 450 kg payload capacity. 5) It stands out as the only all-weather military platform certified with NATO’s STANAG 4671 (standardized agreement 4671) for airworthiness. |
| Strategic importance | 1) Drishti 10 Starliner is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, enhanced endurance, advanced communication capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies. 2) The UAV would play a pivotal role in shaping future naval operations and safeguarding India’s national maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. |
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