India and US Sign Rs 32,000-Crore Deal for 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones.
In a significant step towards bolstering India’s defense capabilities, the Government of India has signed a Rs 32,000-crore agreement with the United States for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. This strategic deal, finalized within a month of discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden during the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware, aims to enhance surveillance and operational efficiency across India’s armed forces.
The drones will be distributed as follows: 15 units to the Indian Navy, with the remaining 16 allocated equally between the Air Force and the Army. Additionally, the agreement includes setting up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India to ensure long-term operational readiness.
The MQ-9B Predator drones are renowned for their stealth capabilities and whisper-quiet operation, enabling missions at high altitudes and in adverse weather. They can fly up to 50,000 feet and remain airborne for 35 hours without refueling. These UAVs are capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, with a payload capacity of 1,700 kg, including missiles and bombs.
India plans to deploy these drones at strategic bases, including INS Rajali (Chennai), Porbandar (Gujarat), and Gorakhpur and Sarsawa (Uttar Pradesh).
With this deal cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the acquisition strengthens India’s defense partnership with the US and ensures superior intelligence and surveillance capabilities for the nation.
