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India Bolsters Drone Fleet with Israeli Heron Mk II UAVs After Operation Sindoor
Tel Aviv, December 2, 2025 – In a move to significantly enhance its unmanned aerial capabilities, the Indian armed forces have placed additional orders for satellite-linked Heron Mk II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) through emergency procurement. The acquisition follows the recent “Operation Sindoor,” and reflects a growing reliance on drones in modern warfare.
Sources within the Israeli defense industry confirm that the Indian Army and Air Force, already operating Heron Mk II drones, are expanding their fleets. Notably, the Indian Navy is acquiring the platform for the first time, transitioning from the older Searcher UAVs.
Under current emergency procurement guidelines, the armed forces can procure systems worth up to ₹300 crore.
According to a senior Israeli defense industry official, UAVs now conduct nearly 70% of battlefield operations, performing crucial roles from reconnaissance to deep-penetration missions and the neutralization of high-value threats. The Heron Mk II, a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV, can carry nearly half a tonne of payload and remain airborne for over 24 hours. Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), electro-optical systems, and SIGINT sensors, it provides comprehensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in all weather conditions.
This acquisition also aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative. Several Israeli defense companies are collaborating with Indian PSUs and private partners to enhance local production, create training and maintenance capabilities, and prepare for future Indian tenders for MALE drones, including a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) for 87 indigenous drones.
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