India has signed a $4 billion agreement with the United States to procure 31 Predator MQ-9B drones from American defense manufacturer General Atomics under the foreign military sales program. This acquisition aims to bolster the combat and surveillance capabilities of the Indian military, particularly along the nation’s contested borders with China.

The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, was attended by senior Indian defence and strategic officials, marking a significant milestone in Indo-US military cooperation. In addition to the purchase, the Defence Ministry and General Atomics Global India signed a contract for performance-based logistics, ensuring depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul services within India.

Last week, the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the deal for the MQ-9B drones, following an earlier approval by the Ministry of Defence in June 2023 through a government-to-government arrangement.

The agreement covers 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians for the Indian Army and Air Force. The Indian Army and Air Force are expected to station their drones at air bases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, providing critical coverage across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

The Indian Navy will deploy 15 drones to enhance maritime surveillance and reconnaissance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These drones are designed to support unmanned patrols, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting operations, ensuring broader maritime security.

With an endurance of over 36 hours and an operational altitude exceeding 40,000 feet, the Predator drones can be armed with Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs. Their versatility makes them valuable assets for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and targeted combat operations.

This purchase strengthens India’s surveillance capabilities along key borders and maritime zones, deepening defense cooperation with the U.S. amidst evolving regional security challenges. (Business Standard)