India set to boost surveillance capabilities with Israeli Hermes 900 Starliners drones

New Delhi: Given the tense situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, India is set to acquire additional Israeli medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles that will enhance the Indian Army’s surveillance capabilities along the northern borders.

“Hermes Starliner 900 drones with satellite communication facilities will arrive next year,” an official said, adding that the existing UAV fleets will also undergo upgrades to closely monitor activities along India’s disputed boundary with China.

The Indian Army has already introduced Satellite Communication-enabled Israeli Heron Mark-II drones and has plans to upgrade the existing fleet of Heron Mark-I UAVs with similar capabilities, which will extend the UAV’s image transmission range.