News: India plans to procure additional satellite-linked Heron Mk II UAVs from Israel under emergency procurement to strengthen unmanned capabilities after Operation Sindoor.
About Heron Mk II
- The Heron Mk II is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles.
- Manufactured by : It is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
- Key features
- Payload: It can carry nearly 500 kg of payload, with a maximum take-off weight of 1,430 kg.
- Endurance: It can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, speed of 150 knots and remain in the air for 45 consecutive hours.
- Range: It has an operating range of more than 1,000 km.
- Advanced sensors: It including Synthetic Aperture Radar, electro-optical systems and Signals Intelligence sensors (SIGINT) for all-weather intelligence.
- It can carry long-range radars and electro-optical or infra-red observation systems ( EO/IR) to detect and track targets.
- Remote Operations: Encrypted satellite communication and fully automated take-off and landing allow the drone to fly beyond line of sight.
