India Secures $3.5 Billion Deal For 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones From The U.S

This landmark deal marks a pivotal step in strengthening India’s defense infrastructure, allowing for enhanced security in the region amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.

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In a significant enhancement of its defense capabilities, India has finalized a deal with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, bolstering the armed forces’ operational reach and surveillance capabilities. The Indian Navy is set to receive 15 drones in the ‘SeaGuardian’ variant, while the Army and Air Force will each be allotted eight ‘SkyGuardian’ drones. The total cost of the deal is estimated to be under $3.5 billion.

The agreement for these advanced drones was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month and is part of the Foreign Military Sales program between the two nations. The drones are manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a leading American defense contractor.

The MQ-9B Predator drone is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), capable of flying continuously for up to 40 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. With an external payload capacity of 2,155 kg, it not only excels in surveillance but is also equipped with strike missiles, enabling it to engage targets with high precision.

These drones can perform a variety of missions, including land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, and expeditionary missions, making them versatile assets for India’s defense strategy. The MQ-9B’s ability to conduct automatic take-offs and landings, along with its safe integration into civil airspace, adds to its operational effectiveness.

The U.S.-India defense partnership has witnessed substantial growth over the last decade. “This proposed sale, announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last year, offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region,” a U.S. defense official stated.

This landmark deal marks a pivotal step in strengthening India’s defense infrastructure, allowing for enhanced security in the region amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.