'Ulterior Motives, Aimed At Derailing Due Acquisition Process': Govt Slams 'Speculative Reports' On US MQ-9B Armed Drone Deal

The government on Sunday (25 June) slammed "speculative reports" that have emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase of 31 MQ-9B predator drones from US.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that these reports are have ulterior motives and are aimed at derailing the due acquisition process.

"Some speculative reports emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase. These are uncalled for, have ulterior motives and aimed at derailing the due acquisition process. Price and other terms & conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations," the ministry said.

"In this regard, all are requested not to spread fake news/misinformation which can have serious impact on the morale of the Armed Forces and adversely impact the acquisition process," it added.

Earlier on 15 June, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for tri-services from the US through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route.

The AoN noted the estimated cost of $3,072 million provided by the US government.

"However, price will be negotiated once policy approval of the US government is received," the ministry said.

"The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will compare the acquisition cost with the best price offered by General Atomics (GA) to other countries. The procurement is in progress and would be completed as per the laid down procedure," it added.

Under the FMS route, a Letter of Request (LOR) would be sent to the US government where Tri-services requirements, details of equipment and terms of the procurement would be included.

Based on LOR, the US government and the Ministry of Defence will finalise the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) where details of equipment and terms of the procurement would be negotiated and finalised in accordance with the FMS program and the price and terms offered by the US Government and GA to other countries, the ministry said.