The MQ-9B drones have the potential to fly upto 40 hours, and can perfectly hit the targets on air, land, and sea, making them an irreplaceable asset for the Indian defense ecosystem.
Prior to the US presidential election, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has yet again carried out a strategic partnership with the US by signing an MoU for the ownership of 31 Predator MQ-9B High-Altitude Long-Endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to officials, this move is an imperative effort to bolster India’s defense ecosystem and solidify its position internationally.
This development in Delaware has turned out to be successful within less than a month. Manufactured by General Atomics, the procurement of these UAVs appears to involve an investment worth Rs 32,000 Crore (Estimated $4 billion). The investment is also related to establishing a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. Predator drones are expected to boost the surveillance capabilities of the Indian armed forces, especially in the border regions with China.
During a defense acquisition council meeting, the final securing of the MoU was already completed in the first quarter of this year. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) finalized the deal a week ago, and according to the committee, the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardians. The Indian Army and Air Force will each acquire eight Sky Guardians. Now, apart from the UAVs, the deal also entails state-of-the-art weaponries like 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and eight GBU-39B/B LSDB guided test vehicles with live fuses.
Besides the drones, India’s deal with the US includes the indigenous development of two nuclear-powered attack submarines. Another unique feature of predator drones is that they can carry various munitions such as Hellfire missiles, GBU-39B precision-guided bombs, and high-fire rotary cannons. With the ability to fly above 25,000 feet, these UAVs are masters in offering real-time video and intelligence data backed by cutting-edge cameras and sensors. Amid all the optimistic features, the worry remains over civilian life damage history from drones.
Reports claim that Dr. Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, has played a crucial role in making this deal happen. His leadership in the company assists numerous Indian defense companies in maintaining and manufacturing key drone components.
India’s recent defence acquisition underscores its growing focus on strengthening unmanned aerial capabilities, particularly in light of rising regional security challenges. This move aligns with the country’s broader defense modernization efforts, aimed at upgrading military technologies, boosting operational readiness, and securing its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
