LOOKEAST

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The Indian Army, on Tuesday, contracted an unspecified number of Israeli SpyLite mini surveillance drones for its infantry units deployed along the high altitude range of the India–China border. Infantry units had demanded mini–drones that could be operated from Ladakh and across from Aksai Chin to keep an eye on the movement of Chinese forces.

The SpyLite mini–drone will be provided by Cyient Solutions and Systems Pvt. Ltd. (CSS), a joint venture between Cyient Ltd. and BlueBird Aero Systems of Israel. SpyLite was the only UAV system to complete and pass a trial conducted by the Indian Army earlier this year. It had successfully met end–user requirements to conduct real–time surveillance and target acquisition at very high altitudes and in extreme weather conditions.

SpyLite is an advanced, combat–proven, electric, mini unmanned aerial system. It is optimised to offer covert, extended range real–time visual intelligence. Fully autonomous, from launch to accurate parachute recovery, the system delivers enhanced reliability even in severe weather conditions, assuring long endurance, high operational availability.

During trials, the SpyLite emerged as a mature system, incorporating unique capabilities and delivering superior performance as compared to systems in the mini–UAV class. The SpyLite demonstrated quick operational readiness supported by launch and recovery in high altitudes and harsh terrains. Its low visual and acoustic signature underlined its suitability for covert operations. Using high–end payloads, the system delivered high quality day and night videos, for an impressive control range and ensured a high level of safety with automatic return home and recovery in “no communication” situations.

SpyLite was the only UAV system to complete and pass a trial conducted by the Indian Army earlier this year. It had successfully met end–user requirements to conduct real–time surveillance and target acquisition at very high altitudes and in extreme weather conditions

The system also demonstrated “operation on the move” while the operator controlled the UAV from a moving vehicle until finally recovering it.

Commenting on the announcement, Ronen Nadir, CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems said: “When looking for the perfect UAV solution, experienced end–users, such as the Indian Army opt for a winning combination of field-proven UAV systems with high performance, diverse capabilities, high reliability, low lifecycle cost, and ease of use. That’s what the SpyLite offers, and we are glad it was proven once again in the Indian Army’s trials.”

#IndianArmy places order for SpyLite mini-drones from Indian-Israeli joint venture Cyient BlueBird
In pic #IndianArmy #ArmyCdrNC inaugurated 13th edition of annual #NorthTechSymposium a BlueBird platform #MakeInIndia pic.twitter.com/dn78KXmCNO

— Indian Defence (@IndianDefenceRA) September 4, 2018

NJ Joseph, Managing Director & CEO, Cyient Solutions & Systems commented: “Defence and security forces around the world have come to rely on the SpyLite’s exceptional performance. We are delighted that the Indian Army has selected the SpyLite for its operational requirements and feel privileged that these systems will complement the surveillance capabilities of our armed forces on the nation’s borders.”

The Indian Army had floated a tender last year for mini–drones capable of sending real–time inputs in the form of imagery and electronic data with a range of 200 kilometres. Using high–end payloads, the SpyLite delivered high–quality day and night videos, an impressive control range and ensured a high level of safety with an automatic return home function during the trial, according to Indian officials.

Last week, the Indian Army published another request for information announcing interest in acquiring slightly higher performance mini–drones for high altitude surveillance operations.

Following last year’s spat with Chinese forces in Doklam, the Indian Army has expedited the purchase of a range of max altitude mini-drones

Cyient Solutions & Systems (CSS):

Cyient Solutions & Systems (CSS) is a joint venture between Cyient and Israel–based BlueBird Aero Systems that provides UAS–based intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for defence, homeland security, and civilian applications. Our unmanned aerial systems operate through a unified, intuitive, and advanced ground control station and are designed to overcome modern security challenges.

What Is BlueBird Aero Systems

BlueBird Aero Systems Ltd (founded 2002), is a dominant player in the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry. BlueBird specializes in design, development and production of micro, mini and tactical UAS and peripheral equipment and delivers exceptional, field–proven solutions to meet the challenges of the Military, HLS, and civilian markets.

With a wide spectrum of platforms all operating from a unified, intuitive and advanced ground control station, Bluebird’s UAS can reliably perform all kinds of missions in severe weather conditions and without terrain limitations. Bluebird’s advanced and mature systems are lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and can operate under rigorous demands with respect to range, endurance and payload requirements.

BlueBird’s advanced UAV systems, operational in Israel and worldwide since 2006, have accumulated over 37,000 operational sorties and support open area as well as urban scenarios and Tactical Mapping on Demand (TMOD) for military, HLS, peace–keeping, low intensity conflict, security, disaster management, law enforcement, search & rescue and commercial applications. ■