In a big addition to India's security capabilities, the Indian Airforce has inducted new Heron Mark 2 drones operating from a forward air base in the northern sector which has the capability to cover entire borders with both Pakistan and China in a single sortie. According to ANI, Squadron Leader Arpit Tandon, a pilot of the Heron Mark 2 drone, said the new version of the Heron drone has multiple advantages over the previous versions, which started getting inducted into the IAF in the early 2000s.
ANI mentioned that the squadron operating the Heron Mark 2 drones is known as the 'Warden of the North' and has been carrying out surveillance missions along with borders with both China and Pakistan. The drones have been equipped with satellite communication links and are the most advanced drones in the Indian armed forces.
He said, "The payloads and the onboard avionics of the Heron Mark 2 can operate at sub-zero temperatures and in any weather condition. This is helping the Indian Air Force achieve footprints over any type of terrain."
Wing Commander Pankaj Rana, commanding officer of the drone squadron, told ANI, "The Heron Mark 2 is a very capable drone. This is capable of longer endurance and has ‘beyond line of sight’ capability. With this, the entire country can be surveilled from the same place. The drone simply amalgamates into the Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance matrix of the Indian Air Force."