The Indian Army is set to bolster its surveillance capabilities along the India-Pakistan international border in Punjab with the deployment of Drishti-10 medium-altitude, long-endurance drones at a forward base. This strategic move is expected to significantly enhance the force's situational awareness in the region.

The drones, scheduled for induction into the Indian Army within the next two to three months, are being procured from the Indian firm Adani Defence. Under emergency provisions, the Indian Army has placed orders for two Drishti-10 drones, ensuring compliance with the mandate that systems supplied by vendors should be more than 60 per cent indigenous and adhere to the ‘Make in India’ in Defence initiative.

Military officials have highlighted that the deployment of Drishti-10 drones in the Punjab sector aligns with the Army's broader strategy to monitor a vast area, encompassing the desert sector and the northern regions of Punjab. This move is poised to enhance the Army's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in critical border areas.

The Indian Army, already equipped with Heron Mark 1 and Mark 2 drones, seeks to further diversify its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet by incorporating the advanced capabilities of the Drishti-10, also known as the Hermes-900. The decision to include these drones was made under the latest tranche of emergency procurements approved by the government to strengthen the country's defense forces.

This strategic move aligns with India's commitment to advancing its indigenous defense capabilities and fostering innovation within the country's defense sector. As the Indian Army continues to invest in cutting-edge technology and surveillance tools, the deployment of Drishti-10 drones underscores the nation's commitment to securing its borders and maintaining a robust defense posture.