Indian Navy Drishti-10 UAV Crashes Near Porbandar: Technical Fault Triggers Probe
Indian Navy Drishti-10 UAV Crashes Near Porbandar, Technical Probe Underway
The Indian Navy Drishti-10 UAV crash has sparked fresh attention after an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near Dharampur village in Gujarat’s Porbandar district during a routine training sortie. Fortunately, the aircraft came down in an uninhabited area, preventing any casualties or major property damage.
Officials have launched a detailed technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Drishti-10 UAV Crashed During Routine Training Flight
According to officials, the UAV crash near Porbandar occurred while the Indian Navy’s Drishti-10 Starliner was conducting a routine training mission.
The drone reportedly suffered a technical malfunction before crashing into an open field near Dharampur village, around six kilometres from Porbandar city.
Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the incident caused panic among nearby residents.
Technical Fault Suspected
Preliminary information suggests the Drishti-10 Starliner experienced a technical failure during flight.
Security agencies quickly reached the crash site, recovered the wreckage and began a technical examination to determine what caused the UAV to lose control.
The Indian Navy has confirmed that the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Indian Navy Confirms No Casualties
In an official statement, the Indian Navy said the Drishti-10 UAV crashed near the Porbandar airfield during a training sortie.
The Navy confirmed:
- No injuries or casualties were reported on the ground.
- The UAV crashed in an open, uninhabited area.
- A detailed investigation has been initiated to establish the cause of the incident.
What Is the Drishti-10 Starliner?
The Drishti-10 Starliner is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle used by the Indian Navy for:
- Maritime surveillance
- Coastal security
- Intelligence gathering
- Maritime domain awareness
- Long-endurance reconnaissance missions
The platform is based on the Hermes-900 UAV and was inducted under the emergency procurement route to strengthen India’s maritime surveillance capabilities.
Second Incident Involving the Platform
Sources indicate that this is the second mishap involving the Hermes-900-based Drishti-10 platform in the Porbandar region.
The latest incident is expected to prompt a comprehensive technical review of the UAV system to identify whether the crash resulted from a mechanical failure or another operational issue.
Investigation Continues
Porbandar District Collector S. Dhanani confirmed that the UAV crash-landed in an open field near Dharampur village and that Navy personnel immediately secured the site.
Investigators are now examining the recovered wreckage, flight data and onboard systems to determine the precise reason behind the crash.
Further details are expected once the Indian Navy completes its technical probe.
