The Israel-Hamas Conflict Won’t Affect UAV Supplies to India, Officials Claim
Image Source: CNBC
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) supplies that the Indian armed forces have ordered or ongoing projects to upgrade older Israeli-origin equipment will not be impacted by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to officials with knowledge of the situation. Using emergency financial powers, the Army and Navy placed an order recently for four Hermes 900 drones; delivery is anticipated to begin early next year.
Adani Elbit will produce the medium altitude long endurance drones in Telangana, India, at a facility that is currently fulfilling export orders. The four drones were purchased under special financial powers that enable speedy contract signing and selection for urgent needs for just under Rs 600 crore.
“We don’t see any impact of the Hamas conflict on deliveries of the Hermes 900. Most of the components are already here, and the UAVs are being made in India. They will be delivered by next year,” sources stated.
They went on to say that there would probably be no effect on maintenance and overhaul plans or upgrade programs for older Israeli-made drones currently in use by the armed forces. The Hermes 900 is scheduled to be introduced early in 2019. This will be the first time a UAV of this kind is produced in the country for the military.
To meet the demands of international markets, the drones will be produced at a 50,000 square foot Adani Elbit factory in Telangana, which was opened in 2018 to produce the Hermes 900 and Hermes 450.
“The induction of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Heron MK II and planned induction of Hermes 900 Star liners will not only boost the reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the Indian Army but also their teaming with combat helicopters will prove to be a game changer in the third dimension,” sources said.
A government-to-government agreement between the US and the Army is expected to result in the Army receiving MQ 9 Predator drones in addition to Heron MkII and Hermes 900. India intends to buy 31 MQ 9s in total for its armed forces.
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