Government Defends India-US MQ-9B Drone Deal Amid Congress' Criticism Over Its High Cost

The Congress party has raised questions about the much-publicised India-US deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B Guardian drones from the United States.

Pawan Khera, Congress Party's Spokesperson in a press conference said that national security was paramount and asked for complete transparency in the deal.

He said, "We demand complete transparency in this Predator Drone deal. India needs answers to the crucial questions. Otherwise, we will be trapped in another 'scam' under the Modi Government".

Earlier on 15 June, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from the US.

The Indian Navy is supposed to receive 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardians, while the Army and the Air Force are each expected to receive eight.

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

Khera asked, "Why is India paying more than the price for a drone, as compared to other countries? Why are we paying the 'highest price' for a drone, which does not have AI integration".

He said that each Predator/Reaper drone from General Atomics USA will cost approximately Rs 812 crore each and India is keen to buy 31 of those which means India shall spend Rs 25,200 crore while the DRDO can develop the same in just 10-20 per cent of the cost.

However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already published a response to the criticism regarding the high cost of MQ-9B drones on Sunday (25 June).

The MoD has, responding to the undue criticism stated, "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," MoD added.

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

The MoD also asked all stakeholders to stop spreading fake news which can have a negative impact on the acquisition process.

"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," the government further added.