Archive · 15 Dec 2025
IAF's Bombardier Global 6500 for ISTAR Program
The Indian Air Force is getting three special planes called Bombardier Global 6500.
These planes will be turned into high-tech spy planes as part of a program called ISTAR.
ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance.
These planes will help the IAF watch over borders, detect threats, and guide attacks.
They can fly very high and far, making them great for spying.
The best part is that India is making the high-tech equipment for these planes itself, which means the country won't have to rely on other countries for this technology.
These planes will help India keep an eye on its borders with China and Pakistan and make better decisions during conflicts.
The Indian Air Force is converting three Bombardier Global 6500 business jets into advanced spy planes under the ISTAR program.
The ₹10,000 crore project aims to enhance India's surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
The Global 6500 offers a range of 6,600 nautical miles and can cruise at 51,000 feet, providing strategic advantages.
DRDO is developing indigenous radar and surveillance systems, reducing dependence on foreign technology.
The ISTAR aircraft will monitor borders, guide precision strikes, and track multiple targets simultaneously.
- Who
- Indian Air Force (IAF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- What
- Transformation of three Bombardier Global 6500 business jets into advanced spy planes for the ISTAR program
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance India's surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities
- Aircraft Model
- Bombardier Global 6500
- Program Name
- ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance)
- Project Cost
- ₹10,000 crore
- Range
- 6,600 nautical miles (12,200 km)
- Cruising Altitude
- 51,000 feet
- Engines
- Two Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines
- Maximum Speed
- Mach 0.90 (950 km/h)
- Mission Duration
- 10-12 hours or more