Edited By Sangeeta Das
In a historic moment, Naval Staff Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar officially launched the Drishti 10 ‘Starliner,’ Bharat’s inaugural indigenously manufactured Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-UAV with a medium altitude and long endurance.
The event, held at Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad, marked a significant stride in achieving strategic autonomy and technological prowess in the realm of advanced aerial systems.
Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ is an advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance or ISR platform boasting remarkable 36-hour endurance, a payload capacity of 450 kg, and the distinction of being the only all-weather military platform with STANAG 4671 certification. The UAV is authorized to operate in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
Admiral Hari Kumar emphasized the transformative impact of this achievement on Bharat’s pursuit of self-reliance in ISR technology and maritime supremacy.
Adani Group’s dedication to unmanned systems, spanning manufacturing and maintenance, positions Drishti 10 to enhance naval capabilities, fortifying preparedness in the evolving landscape of maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.
Adani Defence and Aerospace, responsible for this groundbreaking development, has solidified its standing as a comprehensive player in the defence sector. The company’s diverse capabilities encompass small arms, unmanned aerial vehicles, radars, defence electronics, avionics, tactical communication systems, and electro-optical systems, providing critical support to the Army and paramilitary forces.
This unveiling aligns with Adani Defence’s commitment to fostering self-reliance in defence and security, aiming for a global leadership position. The establishment of Bharat’s first UAV manufacturing facility, private sector small arms manufacturing facility, and a state-of-the-art aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility underscores Adani Defence’s dedication to meeting international standards and advancing the defence ecosystem.
In response to the rising threat of rogue drones, Adani Defence is actively engaged in developing counter-drone systems with applications in both defence and civil domains. The company’s integrated capabilities across the defence supply chain position it as a formidable player for the integration of larger platforms in the evolving defence landscape.