The Economic Times reported on December 1, 2025, that talks are underway for additional procurement and local manufacture of Heron Mk.2 drones.
A source told ANI, “All three branches have decided to purchase the Mk-II.”
The discussions are centered on IAI’s obligation to meet the Indigenous Content (IC) standards mandated for the local manufacture of MALE UAV systems. The requirement calls for 60 percent local work and manufacturing.
Eventually, the Heron Mk.2 is expected to be weaponized with locally manufactured precision-guided munitions.
India and Israel have been in talks since 2016 to weaponize the IAF’s existing inventory of Searcher and Heron drones. However, little progress has been made because of Israel’s reluctance to share critical drone technologies.
In early February 2020, reports indicated that IAI and HAL would sign a contract during DefExpo 2020 to manufacture Heron Mk.2 drones in India, with 100 units planned to meet the requirements of the defence services. Nothing materialized from this proposal.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is now actively bidding on India’s ₹30,000-crore tender for 87 MALE UAVs, offering deep transfer of technology for 100% local assembly of Heron Mk.2 airframes, engines, avionics, and payloads in India.
One possible explanation for India’s renewed interest in locally manufacturing the Heron Mk.2 could be the DRDO’s recent success in developing weaponization technologies, including sensors, drone-launched PGMs, and drone-based weapon-launch computer systems
Why the Heron when nEUROn, compatible with RAFALE
ReplyDeleteThe nEUROn design is made for air-to-ground combat missions with a focus on:
• Precision strike capability using precision-guided munitions
• Enhanced battlefield awareness through networked and multi-domain operations
• Reducing risk to human pilots by performing high-risk missions (semi-) autonomously
• Providing a force multiplier effect by coordinating with manned aircraft such as the Rafale fighter jets, serving as a “loyal wingman”
Primarily, nEUROn seeks to demonstrate and validate critical UCAV technologies, including stealth features that reduce radar and infrared signatures, autonomous flight control systems, and the capability to carry and deliver weapons from an internal bay. Additionally, the goal of the program is to foster defense industrial cooperation on an European level, reducing the reliance on foreign suppliers.