In a significant development aimed at bolstering counter-terrorism efforts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed advanced Heron Mark 2 drones to aid in ongoing operations in the northern region of the country. Equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and strike capabilities, these drones are playing a pivotal role in tracking down terrorists hiding in rugged forested terrains.
Detailed Article:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a giant leap forward in its counter-terrorism operations by deploying the newly integrated Heron Mark 2 drones. These cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with long-range missiles and sophisticated surveillance technology, making them a formidable asset in monitoring and neutralizing threats.
The deployment of Heron Mark 2 drones comes in the wake of a tragic attack that claimed the lives of senior Indian Army personnel, including Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchal, and J&K Deputy SP Himayun Bhat. The attack was claimed by The Falcon Squad, a faction within The Resistance Front (TRF), and was seen as retaliation for the killing of Mohammad Riyaz in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Security officials have successfully encircled two militants, one of them identified as Uzair Khan, a local commander affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba. Khan’s in-depth knowledge of the local forested terrain and surrounding areas had made him a significant threat, prompting the use of Heron drones to aid in the mission.
The Heron Mark 2 drones, officially integrated into the IAF’s arsenal in August 2023, belong to the ‘Warden of the North’ squadron, with their primary mission being surveillance along the shared borders with China and Pakistan. Four of these advanced drones are strategically positioned at a forward air base in the northern sector.
These Heron Mark 2 drones, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, are a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV and are known for their Standoff Capability, allowing them to collect intelligence from considerable distances without breaching borders. According to IAF Wing Commander Pankaj Rana, these drones offer extended endurance and can operate ‘beyond the line of sight,’ providing continuous 24×7 surveillance of targets.
Rana emphasized that the drones effectively amalgamate into the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) matrix of the Indian Air Force, and their ability to conduct multiple missions within a single flight greatly enhances their utility.
In addition to the Heron Mark 2 drones, small quadcopter drones are also being used to assist in search efforts. Special Forces commandos and additional troops have been called in, and all potential escape routes for the terrorists have been sealed off.
The Indian Air Force maintains a fleet of over 180 Israeli-manufactured UAVs, further enhancing its surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
News Summary:
- The Indian Air Force deploys Heron Mark 2 drones with advanced surveillance and strike capabilities in counter-terrorism operations in northern India.
- These drones, integrated in August 2023, play a crucial role in tracking down terrorists hiding in rugged forested terrains.
- Security officials have successfully encircled militants, including a local Lashkar-e-Toiba commander, with the assistance of these advanced UAVs.
- Heron Mark 2 drones are known for their Standoff Capability, offering long-range surveillance without border breaches.
- The deployment is part of India’s concerted effort to combat terrorism after a tragic attack claimed the lives of senior army personnel.
- The Indian Air Force maintains a fleet of over 180 Israeli-manufactured UAVs, enhancing its surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities
