India orders Hermes 900 for army, navy

The Hermes 900 is the latest in the Hermes family of UAVs. (Elbit Systems Ltd)

The Indian government has ordered Elbit Systems Hermes 900 StarLiner unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) for the Indian Army and Indian Navy, according to a defence source.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), however, said it could not comment on how many of the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being procured. Janes was told that the acquisition is part of an emergency procurement tranche. Indian media has reported that the contract covers the delivery of two Hermes 900 each for the Indian Army and Navy.

Janes understands that delivery of the UASs will start in 2024. Elbit Systems did not respond to a Janes query for information at the time of publication. However, it is possible that the acquisition is connected to a 7 March announcement by Elbit about the 120th order of its Hermes 900 UAS.