Adani Defence Strengthens Indian Navy's Reach with Second Drishti-10 Starliner Drone

Adani Defence and Aerospace has taken another leap in bolstering India’s maritime surveillance capabilities by delivering the second Drishti-10 Starliner drone to the Indian Navy. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is set to enhance the Navy’s ability to monitor critical shipping lanes, deter piracy, and secure the vast expanse of the nation’s maritime borders.

The Drishti-10 Starliner, an adaptation of Israel’s Hermes 900 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV, represents a significant achievement in India's indigenous defense production. Manufactured at Adani's state-of-the-art Hyderabad facility, this drone is built to endure harsh operational conditions while maintaining exceptional performance. With a flight endurance of 36 hours and a payload capacity of up to 450 kilograms, the Drishti-10 Starliner is equipped to handle diverse intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Cutting-Edge Capabilities

What sets the Drishti-10 apart is its STANAG 4671 certification, a NATO-standard that ensures the UAV's airworthiness in both segregated and unsegregated airspaces. This certification makes it the only all-weather military UAV in India’s arsenal, capable of fully autonomous operations supported by satellite communication (Satcom) for over-the-horizon missions.

The drone’s modular payload design integrates advanced sensors and systems, enabling real-time data collection and analysis across vast maritime territories. Its ability to operate above 32,000 feet provides unparalleled situational awareness, making it a true force multiplier for the Indian Navy.

Strategic Deployment

The second Drishti-10 was inducted at the Porbandar base in Gujarat, following the deployment of the first unit earlier this year. Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, VSM, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), recently visited the base to review the drone's operations and commended its role in strengthening maritime security.

The Indian Army has also adopted the Drishti-10, with two units ordered for deployment along the western border. One unit has already been stationed at Bhatinda, Punjab, where it plays a pivotal role in monitoring the frontier with Pakistan. The drone’s operational success across diverse terrains, from coastal areas to the challenging climates of the Himalayas, underscores its versatility and resilience.

Driving Indigenous Innovation

Adani Defence’s rapid development and delivery of the Drishti-10—achieved in less than three years—highlight India’s growing prowess in defense technology. Traditionally, such capabilities would take five to six years to materialize. The company’s collaboration with the Indian Navy and Army marks a defining moment in the nation’s journey toward self-reliance in defense production.

Beyond being a technological marvel, the Drishti-10 Starliner represents a larger vision for India’s defense sector. It showcases the seamless integration of indigenous innovation, robust manufacturing, and strategic deployment, reinforcing India's commitment to protecting its maritime interests and asserting its presence in the region.

As the Drishti-10 begins its new chapter with the Indian Navy, it symbolizes not just a step forward in surveillance capabilities, but also a testament to India’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its strategic interests through innovation and resilience.