India to Acquire MQ-9B Drones from US, Strengthening Defense Capabilities

Strengthening Defence: India's Acquisition of MQ-9B Drones from the US

India-US Defense Ties Deepen as India Acquires MQ-9B Drones

India is set to acquire MQ-9B drones from the US in a phased approach, with armaments planned for phase II. The $3 billion deal is expected to be approved during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, facilitated through government-to-government or US foreign military sales channels.

The procurement involves 31 high altitude long endurance (HALE) drones, with the initial batch of 10 being unarmed. Additionally, three tri-service intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance command centers will be established, strategically located in the north and south, with a primary focus on India's northern borders, especially the one shared with China.

MQ-9B Drones: A New Weapon in India's Defense Arsenal

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has already approved a tri-service proposal to purchase 31 drones, consisting of 15 MQ9B Sea Guardians and 16 Sky Guardian drones from the US. The Sky Guardian drones will be responsible for marine domain awareness and surveillance, while the Sea Guardian drones will enhance border protection on land. The deal is set to bolster India's capabilities in the face of ongoing tense relations with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and China.

The acquisition of MQ-9B armed drones holds significant strategic importance for India. It will empower the nation with long-range surveillance capabilities and precise strikes, reducing risks to manned aircraft and pilots.

India has been actively increasing its monitoring efforts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) using unmanned drones. The addition of US MQ-9B drones will serve as a substantial enhancement to its monitoring program.

PM Modi to Bring Predator Drone to India, Signaling New Era of Defense Cooperation

The procurement plan was initially proposed in 2017 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, under the presidency of Donald Trump. Finally, in March 2021, the contract for the purchase of 30 armed versions of the MQ-9B drones was officially announced for the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.

The operational history of MQ-9 drones reveals their frequent use by the US Air Force. Recently, it was alleged that the Americans employed the MQ-9 drone to launch the Hellfire R9X missile that targeted and killed Al-Qaeda commander Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Beyond military use, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has also shown interest in a production version of the MQ-9B drones. However, they currently lease an unarmed Reaper derivative known as "Altair," developed by GA-ASI.

In conclusion, India's acquisition of MQ-9B drones marks a significant step towards strengthening its defense capabilities. With their advanced surveillance and targeting abilities, these drones will bolster India's security along its borders and elevate its status in the global defense landscape.

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Author: allykazmi

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