IAF to Get 3 I-STAR Jets
Why India Needs I-STAR India in its efforts to give a major boost to the defence capabilities, has sanctioned the Indian Air Force (IAF) to get 3 I-STAR spy planes worth INR₹10,000 crore. This is significant in light of the Operation Sindoor conducted by India against Pakistan. These 3 sophisticated spy planes will help the IAF get a clear air-to-ground picture allowing it to carry out precision strikes against enemy ground targets. The acquisition is set to be approved in late June 2025. I-STAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance. The project involves acquisition of three aircraft likely from either Boeing and Bombardier. It will then be fitted with fully indigenous sensors and electronic systems. The DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) has already successfully developed them and will have to be integrated with the 3 aircraft which would be acquired and modified for the purpose. I-STAR aircraft will put India in a select club ...