The Indian Armed Forces recently initiated the process of acquiring four units of Israeli drones. Two of these drones were designated for the Indian Navy, while the remaining two were for the Indian Army. On paper, these drones appeared impressive, boasting advanced features and capabilities. However, Team Alpha Defence has consistently voiced concerns about the claims made by Israeli companies. While most seemed convinced by the advertised numbers, our reservations have now found validation through operational feedback.
This article delves into the key issues highlighted by Indian Navy personnel who have been operating one of these drones for a considerable time.
Issues with Satellite Communication (Satcom)
One of the most critical problems plaguing these drones is the unreliable satellite communication (Satcom) system. For unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that operate hundreds of kilometers away from their base stations, seamless connectivity is crucial. The current requirement is beyond horizon operations where UAV operates beyond line of sight and remains connected through satellite link.
Frequent disconnections in Satcom severely compromise the drone’s operational efficiency. These disconnections can jeopardize missions, especially when the UAV loses connection during critical phases. UAVs are typically deployed for long-duration missions, and constant monitoring is essential to assess changes in ground situations.
The inability of these drones to maintain continuous communication undermines their effectiveness, leaving missions vulnerable to failure at crucial moments.
Endurance Falls Short of Expectations
Endurance is another significant issue with these drones. The Israeli manufacturer claimed that the UAVs could provide up to 36 hours of endurance. However, practical mission scenarios reveal a starkly different reality.
Indian Navy sources indicate that the drones fail to deliver even half of the promised endurance. This shortfall is alarming, given that the tri-services requirement for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs is at least 24 hours with payload. In Indian conditions, these drones are far from meeting expectations, making them unsuitable for operational needs.
The discrepancy between marketed and actual performance raises questions about the credibility of the claims and the feasibility of continuing with such systems.
Altitude Limitations
The altitude performance of these drones is another area of concern. These UAVs are powered by piston engines, which are generally designed for aircraft operating at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet. While piston engines are cost-effective and easier to maintain, they are not inherently suitable for higher altitudes.
To achieve greater altitudes, manufacturers have equipped these engines with turbochargers. Despite this enhancement, the Israeli drones fall short of their promised operational altitude of over 30,000 feet. Indian armed forces, in their assessment, found that the altitude achieved with payload is significantly lower than the indigenous UAV “Tapas”,” which has demonstrated better performance in similar conditions, attaining altitude of 28,000 feet.
Achieving altitudes of 30,000 feet is critical for certain missions in mountains, as it offers operational advantages such as improved surveillance range, wider scan area and reduced vulnerability to ground-based threats.Turbo-prop engines, like those used in systems such as the MQ-9B, are better suited for such altitudes. However, these engines are considerably more expensive, presenting a trade-off between cost and performance.
The Way Forward
Given the underwhelming performance of these Israeli drones, it is unlikely that the Indian Armed Forces will place further orders. The operational shortcomings—ranging from unreliable Satcom to endurance and altitude limitations—make them an unsuitable choice for India’s strategic requirements.
Emphasizing Indigenous Development
The current situation highlights the pressing need to bring Indian players back to the table. Developing a completely indigenous UAV system, tailored to realistic operational requirements, should take precedence. Indigenous platforms like the Tapas UAV have already demonstrated promise, and with additional investment in research and development, they can meet and exceed the tri-services’ expectations.
Realistic and Transparent Benchmarks
Future procurement processes should ensure that manufacturers provide realistic performance benchmarks. Relying solely on advertised specifications without rigorous validation can lead to operational inefficiencies and wasted resources. Incorporating feedback from end-users, such as the armed forces, can help refine requirements and ensure alignment with actual needs.