A General Atomics MQ-9B Predator drone.
New Delhi: India has finally signed the MQ-9B Predator drone deal with the United States on Tuesday. The agreement, worth $3.1 billion (around ₹26,000 crore) will see India acquire 31 drones distributed among the three services of its armed forces. The India Navy will get 15 of the naval version of these drones, called SeaGuardian, while the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each.
Recently, as India Sentinels had reported, the prime minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the deal to be signed.
The Predator is a variant of the US’s Reaper drone and its Air Force version is called SkyGuardian. These are manufactured by General Atomics, and are high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) known for their advanced surveillance and strike capabilities.
The deal also includes provisions for setting up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India, which will ensure long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on foreign support.
This substantial investment, which is one of India’s biggest defence deals, is a part of New Delhi’s efforts to modernize its military and strengthen its strategic partnerships.
The acquisition of MQ-9B Predator drones holds immense strategic importance for India. According to defence experts, these drones will provide the Indian armed forces with:
* Enhanced Surveillance: The drones’ advanced sensors and long-range capabilities will enable real-time surveillance of vast areas, including maritime borders and remote regions. This will significantly improve situational awareness and intelligence gathering.
* Precision Strike Capability: Equipped with a range of weapons, including Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs, the MQ-9B Predators can execute precise strikes against high-value targets. This capability will enhance India’s counterterrorism and conventional warfare capabilities.
* Border Security: The drones will play a crucial role in securing India’s long and complex borders, particularly in areas prone to infiltration and cross-border activities.
* Maritime Domain Awareness: The drones will be invaluable for maritime surveillance, helping India protect its vast coastline and interests in the Indian Ocean region.
The MQ-9B Predator drone deal marks another milestone in the growing defence partnership between India and the US. This strategic alliance has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, with both countries collaborating on a range of defence initiatives, including joint military exercises, technology sharing, and co-development of defence equipment.
Apart from that, India has procured over $25 billion worth of military equipment from the US in the last 20 years.
