India is to take delivery of its first Israeli-built unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in early 2001. The UAVs are included in a $300 million deal signed earlier this year.
Malat, Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) UAV division, will supply the Indian armed forces with five to 10 Searcher 2 short range UAV systems and at least four Heron high altitude, long endurance systems. Deliveries will run to 2003.
India's UAVs will be equipped with electro-optical payloads for day/night surveillance missions and relay systems to allow operation in mountainous areas.
India has also approached IAI about a possible purchase of the Elta Phalcon airborne early warning system. The Indians require two systems, but have expressed concern that the USA will attempt to foil any such deal, as it did with a similar contract with China. India has also signed a contract to purchase the Elta Green Pine radar.
• The Israeli air force is to enhance its UAV use in a variety of missions with the Israeli defence force's general staff having allocated new funding to the development of advanced UAVs. The new capabilities are classified, but some may incorporate elements of artificial intelligence. The two Israeli UAV manufacturers - Malat and Elbit's Silver Arrow division - have developed new systems, which are being test flown by the air force to drive requirements and operational capabilities for future systems.
Source: Flight International
