Adani Defence and Aerospace introduced the Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Indian Navy, marking a significant step in indigenous UAV manufacturing. The unveiling ceremony, overseen by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), India Navy, featured the departure of the UAV from Hyderabad to Porbandar, where it is set to be inducted into naval maritime operations. The event was attended by Admiral Hari Kumar and 75 Navy personnel.

Adani's press release highlights the Drishti 10 Starliner as an advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform boasting remarkable 36-hour endurance and a substantial 450 kg payload capacity. Notably, it stands as the sole all-weather military platform with STANAG 4671 certification.

 Moreover, this cutting-edge technology is approved for flight in both segregated and unsegregated airspace, making it a versatile and highly capable asset for military applications. Hari Kumar commended Adani for aligning its roadmap with the specific needs of the Indian Navy. He praised the company's proactive efforts in establishing a comprehensive ecosystem of partners and capabilities aimed at fostering self-reliance in defense and security.

Describing the event as a significant milestone and a pivotal advancement in India's pursuit of self-sufficiency in ISR technology and maritime dominance, Adani showcased unwavering dedication to unmanned systems. Their systematic efforts over the past several years encompassed the development of local capabilities, extending beyond mere manufacturing to encompass Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) processes.

According to the statement, the integration of Drishti 10 into naval operations is anticipated to elevate naval capabilities, fortifying preparedness for the dynamic challenges of maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.

Jeet Adani, Vice President of Adani Enterprises, emphasized the heightened significance of recent geopolitical events, highlighting the convergence of physical, informational, and cognitive tactics. He underscored the crucial role of intelligence, information processing capabilities, unmanned systems, and cyber systems in the evolving landscape of information dissemination and disinformation.

Adani stated that the development of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms spanning land, air, and naval domains remains a top priority for Adani. This strategic focus aims to cater to the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces while positioning India as a prominent player in the global market for such technologies. Adani expressed pride in contributing to the fulfillment of the Indian Navy's needs and reinforcing Adani's commitment to serving national defense requirements.

Image source: Indian Express