In a significant move to bolster India’s defense and surveillance capabilities, the Indian government signed a $3.5 billion deal with the United States to acquire 31 armed MQ-9B Predator drones. This strategic procurement aims to enhance the country’s firepower and strengthen monitoring efforts across high-risk areas, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region where Chinese naval activities are on the rise.
The MQ-9B Predator drones, also known as “hunter drones,” are high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) drones equipped with hellfire missiles. They are designed for both reconnaissance and attack missions and can remain airborne for over 40 hours. Under the contract, India will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Navy, while the Indian Army and Air Force will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones. Delivery of these advanced drones is expected to commence in the next four years, marking a significant leap in India’s defense infrastructure.
In addition to the purchase agreement, a separate contract was signed with General Atomics Global India for performance-based logistics and support for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of these drones within India. This move not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also aligns with the nation’s broader goals of enhancing local defense infrastructure and self-reliance.
The acquisition was greenlit by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last week. Notably, this deal follows a 2020 lease of two unarmed MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics, which were deployed for surveillance amid escalating tensions with China. One of these leased drones crashed recently due to technical issues, underscoring the importance of India’s ongoing investment in state-of-the-art defense technology.
These highly capable drones, often regarded as superior to Chinese armed drones, will significantly bolster India’s ability to monitor and protect its maritime and territorial interests, reinforcing national security and defense readiness in an increasingly complex regional landscape.
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