India is set to purchase some 50 drones from Israel Aircraft Industries in a deal worth $220 million, the Pakistani English-language newspaper, The Daily Times, reported on Friday.

IAI's Heron drones are fitted with thermal cameras and are capable of reaching altitudes of about 6 kilometers. They will be put to use carrying out reconnaissance missions on India's mountainous borders with China and Pakistan.

Pakistan's Daily Times reported that India already has some 12 Heron drones that proved their worth in the aftermath of the tsunami when they were used to gather information in afflicted regions...