India signs $4 bn deal for 31 MQ-9B drones: New Delhi, India – In a major boost to its military capabilities, India has signed a $4 billion deal with General Atomics to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. This significant purchase, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security last week, comes as part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its surveillance capabilities along critical fronts, particularly against China.
The MQ-9B drones, a variant of the well-known MQ-9 Reaper, are renowned for their combat effectiveness and surveillance capabilities. They played a pivotal role in the US operation that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in July 2022. For India, these drones represent a significant upgrade in both offensive and defensive capabilities, with each branch of the armed forces—Navy, Army, and Air Force—receiving specific configurations tailored to their operational needs.
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India-General Atomics deal for 31 MQ-9B Drones
General Atomics MQ 9B Skyguardian Drone.
The deal includes 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, 161 Global Positioning and Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs), 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, and a range of advanced sensor and communication packages. The Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, configured for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. The Army and Air Force will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones, designed to enhance surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
These drones, capable of flying at altitudes over 40,000 feet with an endurance of more than 35 hours, will allow the Indian military to conduct extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Sea Guardians are particularly important for tracking and hunting submarines and surface ships, especially in the increasingly contested Indian Ocean, where China has been expanding its naval presence.
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The Sea Guardian drones acquired by the Indian Navy are tailored to integrate with India’s existing surveillance platforms, such as the P-8i long-range maritime patrol aircraft and the MH-60R multi-role helicopters. These drones will enhance India’s ability to monitor and protect key maritime areas, particularly the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The drones are designed to operate in a network-centric environment, providing commanders at sea with real-time data and greater flexibility in decision-making.
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India-GA ASI deal signing ceremony for 31 MQ-9B drones.
A Long-Awaited Acquisition
First requested by the Indian Navy in 2016, the Predator drone deal has been in the works for several years. The long process to finalize the acquisition reflects the complexity and scale of the deal. A special Indian team traveled globally to select the airframe and sensor package, consulting with the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force before making its final decision. The result is a highly customized platform that meets India’s specific defense requirements.
The acquisition of 31 Predator drones is not just about enhancing India’s military capabilities; it is also a strategic signal of the deepening defense cooperation between the two democracies. The procurement comes on the heels of several key agreements between the US and India, including the conclusion of the India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the INDUS X initiative. The US has steadily become one of India’s most important defense suppliers, with this latest acquisition further cementing its role in India’s modernization efforts. With China continuing to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific, this procurement strengthens India’s ability to safeguard its borders and maintain stability in the region.
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A New Era in Military Collaboration
India’s purchase of 31 Predator drones from the US is a landmark deal that not only enhances its military capabilities but also signals a new phase in defense collaboration with the United States. These long-endurance drones will play a crucial role in surveillance and reconnaissance missions, particularly in contested areas with China and the Indian Ocean. As India continues its military modernization, this acquisition is a significant step in strengthening its defense posture and deepening its strategic ties with the US.
