The payload sensors communicate with the ground control station in real time, using either direct line of sight data link, or via an airborne/satellite relay.

Like the navigation system, the payload can also be used in either a fully pre-programmed autonomous mode, or manual real-time remote operation, or a combination of both.

This was the first Israeli operation in which UAVs, helicopters, and fighter jets were allocated to ground forces directly without IAF central command authorizing sorties.

[12] Beginning in 2021, Malta-based Herons have been used by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to monitor migrant activity in the southern Mediterranean Sea.

The concern was that the data could be used to force irregular migrants back to their point of departure, denying them the opportunity to seek asylum in other countries.

However, the satisfactory performance of the drone during the multiple search and rescue missions after 2004 tsunami led to planning of an additional order of 50 Heron UAVs.

However, after the 2020 China-India standoff, the Heron units of the Eastern Command were moved to Army Aviation Corps by August 2021 and the routine surveillance sorties per day were doubled.

[21] On 14 July 2020, reports indicated that the Indian Air Force intended to purchase additional units of Heron Mk1 UAVs to complement the existing fleet.

[22][23] Project Cheetah was a programme of the Indian Armed Forces to upgrade and weaponise their existing fleet of around 90 Heron UAVs.

Around 90 drones were to be upgraded with satellite communication (SATCOM), advanced reconnaissance equipment and ability to fire laser-guided bombs, air-launched anti-tank guided missiles and other precision-guided munitions.

In the current variant, the equipment of the UAVs include thermographic camera, airborne ground surveillance, visible light, radar systems, etc.

[27] It was reported in May 2021 that Indian Army was negotiating with IAI to lease 4 units of Heron TP UAVs under the emergency procurement powers of the Armed Forces.

[30][31] Two of the UAVs were inducted by the Indian Army in November 2022 and deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Leh, Ladakh.

[36][37] In November 2023, the Indian Air Force placed an order for two more Heron Mk2 UAVs in addition to the current four by using emergency procurement powers.

The crashes is attributed to several reasons like human errors, engine failures as well as loss of contact with Ground Control Stations (GCS).

[64] Israel South Korea Malta Morocco Singapore[68][69] Turkey United States Vietnam Australia Data from Heron/Shoval/Eitan[71]General characteristics Performance