New Delhi: India on October 15 sealed a $ 4 billion (Rs 34,500 crore) with General Atomics to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones for the Indian armed forces. The purchase under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework is significant comes as a key step in bolstering India’s military strength. As part of the deal, India will also see the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the General Atomics-manufactured drones in the country.
The acquisition, widely seen as critical in strengthening India’s military capabilities, was signed in New Delhi with top defence officials in attendance. Dr Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation who played a key role in the negotiations on the deal, was present at the signing ceremony. The procurement underscores the growing strategic alignment between India and the US and is a proof to the deepening defence cooperation between India and the United States.
Earlier this year during a Defence Acquisition Council meeting, the final approval for the mega deal was secured and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) only approved the deal last week. The procurement was approved as part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s surveillance capabilities along critical fronts, particularly where it faces challenges from China. The deal, struck just weeks before the US presidential election, signals a new phase in bilateral military ties.
A variant of the MQ-9 Reaper, the MQ-9B drones are well-known 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. Each military branch—Navy, Army, and Air Force—will benefit from specific configurations tailored to their operational needs.
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.
The Indian defence forces’ newest acquisitions will be stationed at INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
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.
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.
First requested by the Indian Navy in 2016, the Predator drone deal has been in the works for several years and was closely followed by requests from the Army and Air Force. In June 2023, the Defence Ministry officially cleared the way for procurement under the government-to-government framework, a move that was long anticipated by defence analysts. The long process to finalise the acquisition reflects the complexity and scale of the deal. A special Indian team travelled 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 customised platform that meets India’s specific defence 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 defence 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 defence suppliers, with this latest acquisition further cementing its role in India’s modernisation 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.
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 defence 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 defence posture and deepening its strategic ties with the US.
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