In a significant enhancement to its military capabilities, India has finalized a deal with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, marking a pivotal moment in defense cooperation between the two nations. The Indian Navy will receive 15 SeaGuardian drones, while both the Army and Air Force will each be allocated eight SkyGuardian variants. The total cost of the procurement is estimated to be under $3.5 billion.

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, this acquisition involves American manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) under a Foreign Military Sales contract. The MQ-9B Predator is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying for 40 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet, with an external payload capacity of 2,155 kg.

Equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities and precision strike missiles, the MQ-9B is well-suited for a variety of missions, including land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations, and electronic warfare. In February, a US State Department spokesperson emphasized the deal’s significance in strengthening strategic technology and military collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting its role in the growing US-India defense partnership.

In a significant enhancement to its military capabilities, India has finalized a deal with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, marking a pivotal moment in defense cooperation between the two nations. The Indian Navy will receive 15 SeaGuardian drones, while both the Army and Air Force will each be allocated eight SkyGuardian variants. The total cost of the procurement is estimated to be under $3.5 billion.

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, this acquisition involves American manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) under a Foreign Military Sales contract. The MQ-9B Predator is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying for 40 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet, with an external payload capacity of 2,155 kg.

Equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities and precision strike missiles, the MQ-9B is well-suited for a variety of missions, including land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations, and electronic warfare. In February, a US State Department spokesperson emphasized the deal’s significance in strengthening strategic technology and military collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting its role in the growing US-India defense partnership.