IAI Heron
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The IAI Heron (Machatz-1) is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (MALE UAV) developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) operations of up to 52 hours' duration at up to 10.5 km (35,000 ft). It has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight, but the effective operational maximal flight duration is less, according to payload and flight profile. An advanced version, the Heron TP, is also known as the IAI Eitan.
On 11 September 2005, it was announced that the Israel Defense Forces purchased US$50 million worth of Heron systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Design and development
The Heron navigates using an internal GPS navigation device, and either a pre-programmed flight profile (in which case the system is fully autonomous from takeoff to landing), manual override from a ground control station, or a combination of both. It can autonomously return to base and land in case of lost communication with the ground station. The system has fully automatic launch and recovery (ALR) and all-weather capabilities.
The Heron can carry an array of sensors, including thermographic camera (infrared) and visible-light airborne ground surveillance, intelligence systems (COMINT and ELINT) and various radar systems, totaling up to Template:Convert. The Heron is also capable of target acquisition and artillery adjustment.
The payload sensors communicate with the ground control station in real time, using either direct line of sight data link, or via an airborne/satellite relay. Like the navigation system, the payload can also be used in either a fully pre-programmed autonomous mode, or manual real-time remote operation, or a combination of both.
Super Heron
At the February 2014 Singapore Air Show, IAI unveiled the Super Heron refinement of the Heron UAS. The Super Heron has a 200-horsepower diesel engine<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> that increases its rate of climb and performance. Its range is Template:Convert line-of-sight and Template:Convert by satellite control. Endurance is 45 hours at a maximum altitude of Template:Convert. Cruising speed is Template:Convert and top speed over Template:Convert.<ref>IAI Unveils Super Heron Heavy Fuel Unmanned Aerial System Template:Webarchive – Deagel.com, 11 February 2014</ref>
Operational history
The Heron saw significant use during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza of 2008–2009. During the deployment, each brigade combat team was assigned a UAV squadron for close support. This was the first Israeli operation in which UAVs, helicopters, and fighter jets were allocated to ground forces directly without IAF central command authorizing sorties. Air-support controller teams operated alongside brigade commanders at the front emphasizing the brigade commander's utilization of direct air assets.<ref name="DefenceNews 2009-03-08">Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> A high degree of situational awareness was achieved by maintaining at least a dozen UAVs in flight over Gaza at all times. Aerial surveillance was provided by Heron and Hermes 450 UAVs and Apache attack helicopters. Along with coordination between the air force and ground troops, Israeli ground forces were able to utilize cooperation with the Israel Security Agency by having operatives attached to the forward units. This inter-service coordination allowed for a higher level of tactical awareness and the ability to strike time-critical targets.<ref name="Aviation Week 2009-05-11">Template:Cite web</ref> During the Gaza war, a super Heron UAV was reported to have been shot down, making it the first time one has been lost in combat against Palestinian militants, with Palestinian Islamic Jihad claiming responsibility for the downing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other countries operating the Heron include Singapore, India and Turkey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> France operates a derivative of Heron named Eagle or Harfang.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2008, Canada announced a plan to lease a Heron for use in Afghanistan, starting in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In mid-2009, Australia leased two Herons as part of a multimillion-dollar lease to operate the vehicles in Afghanistan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In early July 2013, the Heron reached 15,000 flight hours over Afghanistan.<ref>Heron Logs 15,000 Flight Hours In Afghanistan Template:Webarchive – sUASNews.com, 22 July 2013</ref> Australia concluded its use of the Heron in support of Operation Slipper in Afghanistan on 30 November 2014, after it had accumulated 27,000 flight hours.<ref>PICTURES: RAAF Heron flies at Amberley alongside manned aircraft Template:Webarchive – Flightglobal.com, 13 April 2016</ref> Royal Australian Air Force retired two Herons in June 2017.<ref name="RAAF Heron retire">Template:Cite press release</ref>
Beginning in 2021, Malta-based Herons have been used by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to monitor migrant activity in the southern Mediterranean Sea. This activity drew controversy when it was announced that the data gathered would be shared with countries including Libya and Tunisia. The concern was that the data could be used to force irregular migrants back to their point of departure, denying them the opportunity to seek asylum in other countries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
India
The Indian Armed Forces initially purchased 12 Heron drones along with Searcher drones from IAI in 2002. The purchase was as a result of the report from the Kargil Review Committee. However, the satisfactory performance of the drone during the multiple search and rescue missions after 2004 tsunami led to planning of an additional order of 50 Heron UAVs. Though the contract negotiations were over by 2004 end, the contract signing was delayed to 2005 due to Lok Sabha elections. The contract was worth $220 million.<ref name="ptiviarediff20051124">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Bikhchandani">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The drone costs Template:INRConvert per unit.<ref name="timesofindia20141126" /><ref name="financialexpress20240425" /> As of 2009, the Indian Navy operated four Heron UAVs along with eight Searcher II drones. The UAVs formed the innermost layer, up to Template:Convert, of the three-tier maritime surveillance grid.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Navy planned to acquire two additional Heron UAVs with three ground control stations and two ship control stations at a cost of Template:INRConvert.<ref name="TOI090105">Template:Cite news</ref>
In case of the Indian Army, the drones were initially deployed by the Regiment of Artillery for target acquisition roles to assist artillery units. However, after the 2020 China-India standoff, the Heron units of the Eastern Command were moved to Army Aviation Corps by August 2021 and the routine surveillance sorties per day were doubled. This move was done to allow the drones to take part in wide range of operations.<ref name="Philip">Template:Cite web</ref> Post reorganisation, the Heron UAVs were placed under the Army Aviation Brigade at Missamari, Assam which includes three squadrons. Each squadron has one Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) flights equipped with Herons. Three flights included a total of 14 UAVs of the Eastern Command.<ref name="thehindu20211017">Template:Cite news</ref>
Additional purchase
On 14 July 2020, reports indicated that the Indian Air Force intended to purchase additional units of Heron Mk1 UAVs to complement the existing fleet. The quantity was not revealed.<ref name="theprint20200714">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="economictimes20200714">Template:Cite news</ref>
On 18 September 2025, the Asian News International reported that the Indian Armed Forces plan to acquire additional Heron drones following its success in Operation Sindoor. The Army is also expected to equip the drones with air-launched Spike NLOS anti-tank missiles.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah was a programme of the Indian Armed Forces to upgrade and weaponise their existing fleet of around 90 Heron UAVs.<ref name="theprint20200714" /><ref name="economictimes20200714" />
The project gain fast-track approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 14 July 2021. Around 90 drones were to be upgraded with satellite communication (SATCOM), advanced reconnaissance equipment and ability to fire laser-guided bombs, air-launched anti-tank guided missiles and other precision-guided munitions. The programme will cost around Template:INRConvert. The cost negotiation was completed a year ago. After this, the proposal would be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 19 September 2022, it was reported that the upgrades will be carried out by manufacturing units of Indian firms with assistance from Israel. In the current variant, the equipment of the UAVs include thermographic camera, airborne ground surveillance, visible light, radar systems, etc. Th project was reportedVs were expected to undergo upgrades in two phases. In the first phase, "in the last stage of decision-making".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The UAVs were to be upgraded in two phases. In the first phase, the SATCOM and sensor suite was upgradation would be carried out. SATCOM capability would enhance the range to unlimited of the UAVs which is restricted to the within visual range of Template:Convert. However, in 2023, it was reported that India has dropped plans to arm the Heron drones in the Armed Forces and the other upgrades would be carried out within India. The report stated that the airspace that India has to fight in is heavily contested and is not very suitable for drone warfare.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Heron Mk2
It was reported in May 2021 that Indian Army was negotiating with IAI to lease 4 units of Heron TP UAVs under the emergency procurement powers of the Armed Forces. The drones would be leased for three years and 2 of the drones would arrive by August. The advanced variants of the drone will have automatic taxi-takeoff and landing (ATOL) and SATCOM systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, after contract signing, it was corrected that the drones would not be leased but purchased and the variant is Heron Mk2.<ref name="Bikhchandani"/><ref name="Philip"/> A total of 10 Heron Mk2 have been ordered including 4 units for Army and 6 units for the Air Force.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Two of the UAVs were inducted by the Indian Army in November 2022 and deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Leh, Ladakh.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="thehindu20231108">Template:Cite news</ref> The rest of the 2 units were inducted in Northeast India by September-end the same year.<ref name="thehindu20220915">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In August 2023, Indian Air Force inducted 4 Heron Mk2. The drone squadron, nicknamed the "Wardens of the North", was deployed in the northern sector under the commissioning Commanding Officer Wing Commander Pankaj Rana.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="timesofindia20230813">Template:Cite news</ref> In November 2023, the Indian Air Force placed an order for two more Heron Mk2 UAVs in addition to the current four by using emergency procurement powers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Crashes
As of 2024, India has lost 12 Heron Mk1 UAVs since it was inducted into service in 2002. The crashes are attributed to several reasons like human errors, engine failures as well as loss of contact with Ground Control Stations (GCS).
- In November 2005, it was reported that after induction of Heron UAVs in 2002 at least four UAVs were lost within 2 years. The first instance of the crash occurred in 2003 on a forward airbase in Rajasthan. While one of the crashes was attributed to human error, the others were due to technical issues and included the death of an IAF handler. Two drones of Army and Air Force each were lost.<ref name="ptiviarediff20051124" />
- On 26 November 2014, a Heron UAV operated by the Indian Air Force crashed in the Mankunva village, around Template:Convert from Bhuj of Kutch district, Gujarat.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="timesofindia20141126">Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 9 January 2015, a Heron UAV of the IAF crashed in Akoda village, Template:Convert north west of Barmer district, Rajasthan. The crash was due to engine failure after taking off from Jaisalmer AFS. There were no damage to life or property.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 18 March 2016, a Heron UAV of the INAS 342 squadron of the Indian Navy suffered an engine failure during a routine surveillance mission near the Kerala coast and had to be ditched into sea in a controlled manner. Later, parts of aircraft including the engine was recovered. The Navy has around 10 Herons.<ref name="ndtv20160318">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 7 December 2017, a Heron UAV of the Indian Army was lost in a cross-border crash during a routine training mission. While being operated near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the Indian territory in the Sikkim sector, the UAV lost contact with its Ground Control Station mid-flight and veered off the course into Tibet and crashed. The wreckage was recovered by Chinese troops. The event occurred after the Doklam standoff. The UAV was equipped with sensitive Israeli-origin sensors to detect presence of troops, vehicles, airborne radars and track distant movements. The payload lost weighed Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- 25 April 2024, an IAF Heron crash in Dhani Jajoya village, which is Template:Convert from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.<ref name="financialexpress20240425">Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 10 April 2025, one of the leased Indian Army Heron Mk2 crashed at Satwari Airport at around 2:45 pm IST while returning from a reconnaissance mission. The incident, under investigation, occurred after loss of control while landing. The aircraft crashed into an IAF tower at the airport, injuring an DSC personnel (Naik Surinder Pal).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Heron variants
- Turkey operates a special variant of the Heron, which utilizes Turkish-designed and manufactured electro-optical subsystems. For example, the Turkish Herons use the ASELFLIR-300T airborne thermal Imaging and targeting system designed and manufactured by ASELSAN of Turkey. The Turkish Herons also have stronger engines in order to compensate for the added payload created by the heavier ASELFLIR-300T. This is the same FLIR system currently used in the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 attack helicopter<ref>[1] Template:Webarchive</ref> and also the TAI Anka MALE UAV. IAI staff maintain that the Turkish Heron's "with its enhanced performance, is better than all existing Heron UAVs operating worldwide".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) provides maintenance and overhaul services for its Herons.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- EADS Harfang – variant operated by France
Operators
All exports of the IAI Heron are unarmed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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- Azerbaijani Air Forces – 5<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Brazilian Air Force – 15 operated jointly with Federal Police<ref name="JanesBrazil">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Brazilian Federal Police – 15 operated jointly with Air Force<ref name="JanesBrazil"/><ref name="Brazil">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Ynet12Nov09">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Royal Canadian Air Force – 2 in service as of 2011, formerly operated 3<ref name="Flt8">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Ecuadorian Navy – 2<ref>Armada del Ecuador – Armada Presentó Su Aviones No Tripulados –UAV- Template:Webarchive (Spanish)</ref>
- European Border and Coast Guard Agency – at least 1<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- German Air Force – 3, including 2 ground stations on an initial one-year lease starting since 2010, with 2-3 more being planned.<ref name="BmVg">Template:Cite web</ref> Will be replaced by the Eurodrone
- Hellenic Air Force – 2+1 on lease starting December 2019 which entered service in June 2021<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Hellenic Coast Guard<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:IND – Total 68 Heron Mk1 received.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Indian Army – >30 Heron Mk1<ref name="thehindu20220915" /> (including 14 under Eastern Command).<ref name="thehindu20211017" /> 4 Heron Mk2.<ref name="thehindu20220915" />
- Indian Air Force – Unknown quantity of Heron Mk1. 4 Heron Mk2<ref name="timesofindia20230813" /> with 2 on order.<ref name="thehindu20231108" />
- Indian Navy – around 8 Heron Mk1.<ref name="ndtv20160318" />
- Israeli Defence Force – at least 1<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Republic of Korea Army – 3 on order as of 2014<ref>Seoul is buying US and Israeli drones Template:Webarchive – Defense-Update.com, 17 December 2014</ref>Template:Update inline
- Royal Moroccan Air Force – three bought in 2014<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:SIN<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Turkish Air Force – 10
- United States Navy – 2<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Former operators
- Royal Australian Air Force – 2, retired in 2017<ref name="RAAF Heron retire"/>
Specifications
See also
Template:Portal Template:Aircontent
References
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- 1990s Israeli military reconnaissance aircraft
- Israel Aerospace Industries unmanned aerial vehicles
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- Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles
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