SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s recent acquisition of the Hermes 900 UAV has been mired in controversy due to reported operational shortcomings. Sources, including insights from Alpha Defense, have highlighted significant discrepancies between the advertised capabilities of the Hermes 900 and its actual performance in naval service.
The Hermes 900 has reportedly struggled with satellite communication (SATCOM), which is crucial for long-range operations and maintaining connectivity beyond the line of sight. This could compromise the UAV’s effectiveness in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over vast maritime areas.
While Elbit Systems, the manufacturer, claims an endurance of up to 36 hours for the Hermes 900, actual operational data suggests a performance well below this, with the UAV managing significantly less than 24 hours. This shortfall in endurance could limit the UAV’s utility in extended surveillance operations.
The Hermes 900 is supposed to reach altitudes up to 30,000 feet, but reports indicate it falls short of this mark. This is particularly concerning when compared to the indigenous TAPAS UAV, which reportedly achieves similar or better altitudes under comparable conditions.
These issues raise questions about how the Hermes 900 managed to pass the Indian Navy’s user trials. Typically, such trials are rigorous, assessing drones under conditions that closely mimic real-world operations. The clearance of the Hermes 900 for purchase despite these reported deficiencies has sparked debate about the evaluation process and the criteria used for selection.
The Indian Navy, along with the Indian Army, decided to procure two Hermes 900 units each as part of an effort to modernize and enhance their ISR capabilities. The purchase was made under emergency procurement powers granted to the forces, highlighting the urgency for advanced drone technology.
There might be a need for reevaluation of the Hermes 900’s performance in Indian conditions, possibly through additional trials or by addressing the technical issues through software or hardware updates.
The Indian Navy’s experience with the Hermes 900 serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in defense acquisitions, particularly when it comes to high-tech equipment like UAVs, where performance in real-world scenarios can significantly deviate from lab or test conditions.