SOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities, the Drishti-10 Starliner, the nation’s first indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), has become operational at the Naval Air Enclave in Porbandar, Gujarat. This state-of-the-art Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV marks a leap forward in India’s journey toward self-reliance in advanced defense technology, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Drishti-10 Starliner is modeled after the Israeli Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900, a globally recognized platform known for its versatility and endurance. While drawing inspiration from the Hermes 900, the Drishti-10 incorporates indigenous modifications to cater to the unique requirements of India’s defense forces, particularly in the challenging maritime environment of the Arabian Sea.
The deployment of the Drishti-10 at the Naval Air Enclave in Porbandar underscores its strategic importance. Located along India’s western coastline, Porbandar provides a vantage point for monitoring activities in the Arabian Sea, including maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering.
The Arabian Sea is a critical region for India’s maritime interests, hosting vital sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) and economic trade routes. The presence of the Drishti-10 in this region enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to monitor and protect these critical assets.
Additionally, the UAV’s deployment complements India’s maritime strategy, which includes deterring hostile activities, monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and supporting disaster response operations.