A proposal to manufacture Heron Mk2 in India under license is also being discussed.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA) ordered 10 Heron Mk2 drones from IAI in early 2021 under emergency procurement power granted to the armed forces following the PLA’s incursion across the LAC into India-claimed territory starting February 2020.
The initial plan was reported to lease the drones for three years, but later a decision was taken to purchase them outright.
Heron Mk2 is an upgraded variant of the Heron drones already in service with the IA & the IAF.
Fitted with a Rotax 916 iS engine, the Heron MK II can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, a maximum speed of 140 knots, and remain in the air for 45 consecutive hours.
Due to improved manufacturing technologies, the Heron MK II has a broader and stronger body structure, allowing quick and easy maintenance without adding weight.
In comparison, MTOW for Heron drones already in service in India is 1,270 kilograms, and the payload weight is 470 kilograms. The length, wingspan dimensions, and other specifications of the two drones are similar.
The Heron Mk2 features better radio, radar, and optical sensors giving it better stand-off capability than its predecessor. The Mk2 can look and listen deep into adversary territory without crossing the border or putting itself in harm’s way of adversary air defenses.
The Mk2 can be configured with different payloads depending on the assigned role.
Eventually, the goal is to weaponize the Indian Heron fleet with locally manufactured precision-guided munitions.
