India-US $3.1 Billion Predator Drone Deal Set to Boost Indigenous UAV Development

The India-US $3.1 billion MQ-9B Predator drone deal includes consultancy for India to develop advanced indigenous UAVs. Discussions have focused on equipping the Navy, Air Force, and Army with these drones to enhance surveillance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control with China.

As part of the $3.1 billion MQ-9B Predator drone deal between India and the United States, American consultancy will be offered to help Indian entities develop advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, according to defence sources.

India and the US have been negotiating this deal for several years. Under the agreement, India will receive 31 drones, with the Navy obtaining 15, while the Air Force and Army will receive eight each. The American proposal for consultancy aims to expedite the development of a sophisticated Indian drone and is expected to be reviewed during the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting on Monday, sources said.

This meeting will be the first held under Narendra Modi's administration, expected to further indigenize the defence sector under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Consultations could significantly reduce the time required to develop an advanced drone, sources indicated.

The Indian Navy plans to deploy the MQ-9B drones at four strategic locations, including INS Rajaji near Chennai and Porbandar in Gujarat. The other drones will be stationed at Sarsawa and Gorakhpur Air Force bases in Uttar Pradesh due to the long runway requirements. General Atomics, the American firm involved, has held recent discussions with Indian officials, sources revealed. Bases such as Sarsawa and Gorakhpur will enhance military surveillance along the Line of Actual Control with China, spanning from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

The tri-service drone deal is led by the Indian Navy. While the MQ-9B drones need significant runway lengths available with the Indian Air Force, 31 units will be acquired; 15 for maritime surveillance by the Navy. The Air Force and Army will each receive eight drones to cover crucial regions along the LAC with existing support assets. Although the initial price was around $4 billion, India aims to secure the deal at a lower cost by opting for a modified package.

These MQ-9B drones, capable of flying over 36 hours at altitudes above 40,000 feet, can carry Hellfire missiles and smart bombs. Specializing in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the drones will enhance India's unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and along its borders with China and Pakistan.

The MQ-9B has already proven indispensable for India, monitoring anti-piracy operations and providing clarity nearly 3,000 km from India's shores.

(With inputs from agencies.)