The Indian Navy’s newly acquired Hermes 900 drone crashed during test flights in Porbandar, Gujarat, as confirmed by military sources. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), worth approximately ₹145 crore, was undergoing routine trials when the incident occurred.
Developed through a partnership between Adani Defense and Aerospace and Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, the Hermes 900 was purchased to enhance the Indian Navy’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. It was part of India’s broader military modernization efforts aimed at improving intelligence-gathering operations.
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Sources stated that an investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the crash. This incident follows a series of technical challenges within the Indian Navy, including the decommissioning of the submarine INS Arighat in September 2024 due to technical issues and a fire on the warship INS Brahmaputra in July 2024.
The Indian Navy’s fleet includes various naval assets, and the Hermes 900 drone was intended to strengthen maritime patrols and surveillance along India’s coastal regions. Military experts emphasize that integrating advanced defense technologies requires careful maintenance and operational proficiency. The investigation is expected to offer valuable insights for future deployment of similar systems.
India’s defense sector continues to focus on upgrading its military assets, particularly for maritime security and surveillance.
