India Signs $4 Billion Deal with the US for Predator Drones

On Tuesday, India signed a significant deal worth $4 billion with the United States to acquire 31 Predator long-endurance drones. This purchase aims to enhance the military's capabilities, especially along the disputed borders with China.

Details of the Deal

India will procure these Predator drones from General Atomics, a major American defense company, under a government-to-government agreement. The primary objective of acquiring these drones is to strengthen the surveillance capabilities of the Indian armed forces, particularly along the China border.

Breakdown of Drones

According to reports, the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drone variants, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones. This diverse acquisition is set to bolster India's defense operations.

Signing Ceremony

The deal was finalized in the presence of high-ranking defense officials and strategic leaders in New Delhi. As part of the agreement, a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility will also be established in India. This initiative represents a significant step forward in military cooperation between India and the US. Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, was present at the signing ceremony.

Approval Process

It is important to highlight that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave the green light for the acquisition of these MQ-9B "hunter killer" drones last week. The Defence Ministry had earlier authorized the purchase of these armed drones from the United States in June 2023.

Features of the Drones

The MQ-9B Predator drone is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics. It can operate for up to 35 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. The drone is capable of carrying four Hellfire missiles and approximately 450 kg of bombs. The naval variant, known as Sea Guardian, is designed for various roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting.

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This $4 billion deal marks a significant enhancement in India's defense capabilities and strengthens military ties between India and the United States, providing the Indian armed forces with advanced technology for improved security along its borders.