Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, inaugurated the maiden voyage of the indigenous Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy.
This cutting-edge UAV represents a significant stride in achieving strategic autonomy and technological supremacy in advanced aerial systems with high endurance, combat-proven features, and complete indigenization.
Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ serves as an advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, boasting a remarkable 36-hour endurance, a payload capacity of 450 kgs, and the exclusive STANAG 4671 certification for all-weather military operations in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
Admiral R Hari Kumar remarked on the momentous occasion, stating, “This marks a transformative step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in ISR technology and maritime dominance. The Adani Group’s dedication to unmanned systems is evident, having systematically developed local capabilities, not just in manufacturing but also in maintenance through MRO. The integration of Drishti 10 into our naval operations will bolster our capabilities, fortifying our readiness for evolving maritime surveillance and reconnaissance needs.”
The flag-off ceremony unfolded at Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad, where Adani Defence and Aerospace is actively fostering capabilities to realize self-sufficiency in defense and security, aiming for a global leadership position in the sector.
Adani Defence and Aerospace have already made strides in diverse domains, including small arms, unmanned aerial vehicles, radars, defense electronics and avionics, tactical communication systems, and electro-optical systems, providing support to the Army and other paramilitary forces.
Adani Defence has notably established India’s first unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing facility, the country’s premier private sector small arms manufacturing facility, and is in the process of setting up India’s inaugural comprehensive aircraft MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facility adhering to international standards for safety and airworthiness.
In response to the rising threat of rogue drones, Adani Defence is actively developing counter-drone systems applicable to both defense and civil applications.
With its integrated ecosystem of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capabilities spanning the defense supply chain, Adani Defence is well-positioned to seamlessly integrate larger platforms into its repertoire.