SOURCE: AFI

In an unexpected turn of events, a Hermes 900 drone, locally known as Drishti 10, which was in the midst of acceptance trials for the Indian Navy, crashed off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. The incident occurred while the drone was being operated by the vendor, Adani Defence and Aerospace, under circumstances where it lost communication, leading to the crash.
The Hermes 900, or Drishti 10 as it is designated in India, is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufactured by Adani under a license from Israel’s Elbit Systems. This UAV is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and has a significant role in enhancing India’s maritime and border security capabilities.
The crash comes at a time when the Indian Navy had already inducted two Drishti 10 drones under an emergency procurement initiative, with the Indian Army also ordering two to enhance surveillance along the Pakistan border. The incident thus raises concerns about the reliability and operational readiness of these advanced drones, especially during crucial acceptance trials. The crash not only highlights potential technical challenges but also puts a spotlight on the vendor’s operational procedures during testing phases.
This event will likely initiate a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the communication loss and subsequent crash, focusing on both the technological aspects and human oversight. The outcomes of such an investigation could influence future procurement decisions, modifications in operational protocols, or even adjustments in the partnership between Indian firms and international defense companies like Elbit Systems.
As the Indian Navy and Army move forward with their drone programs, this crash might prompt a reevaluation of strategies to mitigate risks associated with such sophisticated equipment during trials. The focus would undoubtedly be on enhancing communication reliability, improving fail-safes, and ensuring that these drones can truly serve as force multipliers in India’s maritime and border security scenarios.