The United States has approved the sale of MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to India in a deal valued at nearly $4 billion. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has provided the necessary certification and notified the US Congress of the potential sale. This approval marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

India initially proposed to purchase 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US last year. The approval from the Biden administration is crucial for the government-to-government deal to proceed. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this sale aligns with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, strengthening the strategic relationship with India and enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.

According to the agency, the sale will enhance India's capability to address current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. India's commitment to modernizing its military is evident, and the country is expected to seamlessly integrate these drones into its armed forces.

The deal, which has been in progress for nearly six years, was finalized during Prime Minister Modi's US visit. The $3.99 billion agreement will see the deployment of 31 drones across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Despite earlier reports suggesting a possible hold on the deal due to alleged incidents involving an Indian national, the Biden administration's approval signifies progress. The US State Department's spokesperson highlighted the role of Congress in the arms transfer process while confirming the ongoing consultation with relevant committees. However, the Indian government maintained that the matter is internal to the US, respecting its processes.

The Indian Navy is set to receive 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and Air Force will each acquire eight SkyGuardian drones. Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical, these drones are part of a government-to-government procurement arrangement.

The MQ-9B drones, also known as 'Predators,' are remotely-piloted aircraft systems capable of offensive missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations. With a flight endurance of over 40 hours, they can operate over the horizon via satellite. Equipped with laser-guided Hellfire Missiles and 450kg bombs, these High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones offer significant capabilities.

The deployment of these drones is expected along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and on warships for missions in the Indian Ocean region. This marks a notable shift in warfare, where remotely piloted systems play a crucial role alongside traditional manned platforms.

In summary, the approval of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drone sale to India underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties between the US and India, enhancing mutual security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

The United States has approved the sale of MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to India in a deal valued at nearly $4 billion. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has provided the necessary certification and notified the US Congress of the potential sale. This approval marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

India initially proposed to purchase 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US last year. The approval from the Biden administration is crucial for the government-to-government deal to proceed. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this sale aligns with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, strengthening the strategic relationship with India and enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.

According to the agency, the sale will enhance India's capability to address current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. India's commitment to modernizing its military is evident, and the country is expected to seamlessly integrate these drones into its armed forces.

The deal, which has been in progress for nearly six years, was finalized during Prime Minister Modi's US visit. The $3.99 billion agreement will see the deployment of 31 drones across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Despite earlier reports suggesting a possible hold on the deal due to alleged incidents involving an Indian national, the Biden administration's approval signifies progress. The US State Department's spokesperson highlighted the role of Congress in the arms transfer process while confirming the ongoing consultation with relevant committees. However, the Indian government maintained that the matter is internal to the US, respecting its processes.

The Indian Navy is set to receive 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and Air Force will each acquire eight SkyGuardian drones. Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical, these drones are part of a government-to-government procurement arrangement.

The MQ-9B drones, also known as 'Predators,' are remotely-piloted aircraft systems capable of offensive missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations. With a flight endurance of over 40 hours, they can operate over the horizon via satellite. Equipped with laser-guided Hellfire Missiles and 450kg bombs, these High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones offer significant capabilities.

The deployment of these drones is expected along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and on warships for missions in the Indian Ocean region. This marks a notable shift in warfare, where remotely piloted systems play a crucial role alongside traditional manned platforms.

In summary, the approval of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drone sale to India underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties between the US and India, enhancing mutual security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.