India has finalized a decision to procure additional satellite-linked Heron MK II drones from Israel under emergency procurement provisions. This development follows the drone’s reportedly effective performance during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025.
According to defence sources, while the Heron MK II is already in service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Navy has now moved to incorporate these advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into its fleet. This brings all three services onto a common high-tech surveillance platform.
The decision was fast-tracked after the drone demonstrated its operational value during Operation Sindoor, where it provided critical real-time intelligence and target acquisition support. The Heron MK II is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, capable of operating for up to 45 consecutive hours at an altitude of 35,000 feet. Its key differentiator is the satellite communication (SATCOM) link, which allows it to be controlled from vast distances, effectively removing “line of sight” limitations that restrict older drone models.
Sources indicate that the procurement is being executed under emergency financial powers granted to the armed forces, allowing for swift acquisition to meet immediate operational requirements
The induction of the Heron MK II into the Navy is expected to enhance maritime surveillance, providing a persistent “eye in the sky” over the Indian Ocean Region, complementing the Army and Air Force’s monitoring of northern and western borders
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