India Inks $3.5 Billion Deal With US For 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones, Aims To Strengthen Indo-Pacific Defence Against China

In a significant advancement for India's military capabilities, India has finalised a deal with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. 

As part of the deal, India will also see the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the General Atomics-manufactured drones in the country. 

According to media reports, the two countries are also looking to work out a technology transfer deal later. This agreement was approved by India's Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

The total cost of this transaction is projected to be under $3.5 billion. The drones will be supplied by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) under a Foreign Military Sales contract

The Indian Navy is likely to get 15 of the drones, which will be the 'SeaGuardian' variant while the Army and the Air Force will be allotted eight 'SkyGuardian' Predator drones each.

The MQ-9B Predator drone is a variant of the MQ-9 'Reaper' developed by GA-ASI and is categorised as a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

MQ-9 "Reaper" was used to launch a modified version of the Hellfire missile that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in the heart of Kabul in July 2022.

The drone can fly for 40 hours at a time at altitudes over 40,000 feet. It has an external payload capacity of 2,155 kg.

In addition to its advanced surveillance capabilities, the MQ-9B is equipped with precision strike missiles, making it capable of engaging targets with high accuracy.

This proposed sale was highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US last year.

In February, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the deal would enhance strategic technology cooperation and bolster military collaboration within the Indo-Pacific region.

"This proposed sale represents a substantial opportunity to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military collaboration in the region", said Miller.

With these acquisitions aimed at bolstering the surveillance capabilities of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China, the Indian defense forces' latest acquisitions will be stationed at INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

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