India is likely to considerably improve its military capabilities after reaching an agreement with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones for around $3.9 billion.
This agreement, which is anticipated to be completed soon, involves the development of a local assembly plant for 21 of these drones, representing a significant step forward in India’s defence modernisation aspirations.
The agreement has been hailed as a watershed moment in India and the United States’ strategic cooperation, especially in view of China and Pakistan’s rising regional security issues.
Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics, stated that this procurement will not only strengthen India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, but will also help to boost India’s domestic defence sector through knowledge transfer and local assembly.
The MQ-9B drones are built for high-altitude, long-duration missions and can carry out a variety of tasks, including precise attacks and anti-submarine warfare.
They will be armed with modern weapons such as Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs.
The Indian Navy will acquire 15 Sea Guardian versions, with the Army and Air Force each receiving eight Sky Guardian drones.
This strategic initiative is consistent with India’s overall goal of being self-sufficient in military production and intends to create job opportunities in the area.
The drones are scheduled to be operational within two to three years, boosting India’s surveillance capabilities in vital areas such as the Indian Ocean and its land boundaries with China.
