DRISHTI 10 STARLINER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Chief of Naval Staff recently flagged off the first indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 'Starliner' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy.

Drishti 10 ‘Starliner

• About: The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is proudly produced within the country.
• Developer: Adani Defence and Aerospace spearheaded the development of this UAV.
• Advanced ISR Platform: Boasting a 36-hour endurance and a 450 kg payload capacity, it serves as a cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform.
• All-Weather Military Capability: This UAV holds clearance for flights in both segregated and unsegregated airspace, functioning seamlessly in all weather conditions.
• Enhanced Naval Capabilities: Designed with high endurance, combat-proven capabilities, and advanced features, it significantly enhances India’s naval prowess.
• Autonomous Operation: The UAV's autonomous nature, combined with mission effectiveness and adaptable payload configurations, renders it invaluable for strategic operations.
• Minimal Maintenance Requirements: A standout feature of the Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ is its minimal maintenance needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Operational Readiness: The low maintenance requirements contribute to increased operational readiness, minimizing downtime, and maximizing deployment opportunities.
• Advanced Communication Systems: Equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems, including satellite communication and Line-of-Sight (LOS) data links, it ensures reliable and secure data transmission.