Indigenous UAV Rustom-2

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

The indigenous medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is expected to complete all user trials by August 2023.

• Four prototypes of Rustom-2 are currently flying. 
• Five production models will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL).

Rustom-2

• Rustom-2 had crossed a milestone by reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet and an endurance of 10 hours. 
• The target is to reach an altitude of 30,000 feet with an endurance of 20 hours endurance which has to be demonstrated.
• Rustom-2 technologically matched the contemporary UAVs available and would also be cheaper than the imported ones while meeting the requirements of the three Services.
• Rustom-2 has been designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, with the production partners being HAL and Bharat Electronics Ltd. 
• It is being developed to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles and is capable of carrying different combinations of advanced payload and capable of auto landing, among others.

Significance

• High endurance UAVs are a priority requirement for the Indian armed forces especially in view of the stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh. 
• Indian armed forces rely heavily rely on Israeli Searcher and Heron drones to meet their requirements and they have need for more such UAVs.

The Services have embarked on a major upgrade project of the Heron UAVs in use.