SOURCE: AFI
@therealp0litik
In a rare and concerning incident, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), suspected to be an Indian Army-operated Heron Mk2, crashed within the high-security technical area of Jammu Airport on April 10, 2025, critically injuring an Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel. The UAV struck an IAF control tower, raising questions about operational safety and technical reliability. This marks a significant setback for the Indian Army’s UAV operations, particularly as the Heron Mk2 involved was part of a leased fleet acquired from Israel in 2021 under a pioneering military leasing agreement.
The crash occurred around 2:45 PM IST, when the UAV, believed to be conducting a routine surveillance or training mission, lost control and plummeted into the IAF’s technical zone at Jammu Airport. The impact with the air force tower caused severe structural damage and critically injured an IAF staff member, who was promptly rushed for medical treatment. Preliminary reports suggest the incident may have resulted from a technical malfunction or human error, though a formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.
Jammu Airport, a dual-use facility with civilian and military operations, is a high-security zone, making the crash particularly alarming. The IAF has assured that flight operations were unaffected, but the incident has sparked concerns about coordination between the Army and IAF in shared operational spaces.
The UAV involved is likely one of the four Heron Mk2 units operated by the Indian Army, leased from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2021. The Heron Mk2, an advanced variant of the Heron family, is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) platform designed for strategic reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Equipped with long-range sensors, satellite communication (SATCOM), and automatic takeoff and landing systems, it can operate for up to 45 hours at altitudes of 35,000 feet.
The Indian Army deployed these UAVs primarily along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, particularly in Ladakh, to monitor troop movements and enhance situational awareness amid ongoing border tensions. The Heron Mk2’s advanced capabilities, including its ability to collect intelligence from tens of kilometers away, have made it a critical asset for border security.
The acquisition of the Heron Mk2 marked a historic milestone for the Indian Army, as it was the first instance of leasing military equipment under a clause introduced in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The lease agreement, signed in mid-January 2021, was facilitated through emergency procurement powers granted to the armed forces to address equipment shortfalls during heightened tensions with China. Initially reported as a three-year lease with an option to extend for two more years, the deal was later clarified to involve the outright purchase of 10 Heron Mk2 units—four for the Army and six for the IAF—rather than a lease.
The Army’s four units were inducted by late 2022, with two deployed in Ladakh and two in Northeast India. The IAF followed suit, inducting its four units in August 2023, further bolstering surveillance along India’s northern borders. The decision to lease and later purchase these UAVs reflected India’s urgency to modernize its unmanned capabilities while navigating budgetary constraints.
The crash raises several questions about the operational readiness and maintenance of the Heron Mk2 fleet. While the platform is renowned for its reliability, India has experienced UAV losses in the past, with 12 Heron Mk1 crashes reported since their induction in 2002, attributed to human error, engine failures, or loss of contact with ground control stations. The latest incident underscores the challenges of operating complex systems in high-stakes environments, particularly in a shared airspace like Jammu Airport.
The injury to an IAF personnel also highlights the need for improved coordination between the Army and IAF during UAV operations. The investigation will likely scrutinize flight protocols, maintenance schedules, and potential technical glitches in the Heron Mk2’s systems. Any findings of systemic issues could prompt a review of training and operational guidelines for India’s growing UAV fleet.
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