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India's 2nd UAV squadron commissioned

Indian Navy has commissioned its second Unmanned Aerial Surveillance squadron at Porbandar.

The INAS 343 squadron, which has two Israeli-made Heron and two Searcher MKII UAVs, was commissioned by the Gujarat Governor Dr Kamla Beniwal on Monday.

The Searcher is a third-generation UAV. Heron is the bigger version of Searcher MKII and has a wingspan of about 16 metres.

The Searcher carries a modern and sophisticated electro optic camera and a communication intelligence payload. Heron is equipped with a maritime patrol radar. Both the UAVs have long endurance capabilities, can operate before and after sunset and beam real time live pictures of maritime targets.

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India's 2nd UAV squadron commissioned

The UAV's will help strengthening coastal surveillance in the Arabian Sea along the coast of Gujarat. This is the second squadron of UAVs that navy has deployed along the Indian. Navy already has commissioned a squadron of UAVs at its base in Kochi.

India's 2nd UAV squadron commissioned

The commissioning of Navy UAV squadron in Porbandar assumes more importance due to proximity with Pakistan. The Navy presently uses a small mix of Israeli Heron and Searcher MK-2 UAVs. Indian Navy is also evaluating ship-borne unmanned rotorcraft.

India's 2nd UAV squadron commissioned

The Searcher MkII has a cruise speed of about 100 knots, a service ceiling of 20,000 feet and an 18-hour endurance. The Heron can touch speeds of over 100 knots with a service ceiling of 30,000 feet and anendurance of 40 hours.

India's 2nd UAV squadron commissioned

'The commissioning of INAS 343 is a short in the arm for the Western Naval Command enhancing its capability and reach in the maritime frontiers. The formation of this squadron at Porbandar is of utmost relevance and allows the Indian Navy to patrol the northern portion of the Arabian Sea,' a Navy spokesperson said in New Delhi.