SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

After a service span from 2002 to 2024, the Indian Navy has officially de-inducted its fleet of Searcher MK II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This decision marks the end of an era for these short-range UAVs within the naval service, as confirmed by a high-ranking official to idrw.org.
The Searcher MK II, with a weight of 500 kg and a payload capacity of just 68 kg, was initially inducted into the Indian Navy at a time when Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs were not widely available or considered for naval applications. Despite their de-induction, these UAVs will not be immediately disposed of. Instead, they will be kept in storage, as stated by the official, to be potentially reactivated if future needs arise.
The Indian Navy’s decision to not seek a direct replacement for the Searcher MK II in its class indicates a significant shift in its operational strategy towards UAVs. The focus is now firmly on acquiring and deploying MALE and HALE UAVs, which offer superior endurance, range, and capabilities suited for modern naval warfare. These newer, more advanced UAVs are essential for extended surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions over vast maritime areas.
The Navy’s interest in MALE and HALE UAVs is also driven by the need for platforms that can operate from aircraft carriers, expanding the scope beyond land-based operations. This capability is crucial for maintaining continuous maritime domain awareness and executing missions far from land bases. The transition to such UAVs will enhance the Navy’s operational flexibility, allowing for longer missions in the strategic expanse of the Indian Ocean Region.
While the Indian Navy moves away from short-range UAVs like the Searcher MK II, the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to operate over 90 of these UAVs. The IAF’s operational philosophy might differ due to its broader engagement spectrum, including land-based surveillance and tactical operations along the borders. However, the Navy’s strategic pivot underscores a more specialized approach to UAV integration in naval operations.
This shift by the Indian Navy towards more advanced UAV categories signifies a broader trend in military technology adoption, where endurance, payload capacity, and multi-role capabilities are at a premium. The Navy’s focus on MALE and HALE UAVs will likely influence future procurement, training, and operational doctrines, aligning them with contemporary naval warfare demands.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.