India's recent deal signing for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States has ignited a debate among defence analysts and industry observers. While the deal aims to strengthen India's military capabilities, particularly along its borders with China, concerns have been raised about the high cost and the potential impact on India's indigenous drone programs.
The deal, valued at nearly USD 4 billion, will provide the Indian military with advanced surveillance and strike capabilities. However, experts question the decision to opt for these expensive American drones when India has been developing its own unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the Archer-NG Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone and the High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV.
One major point of contention is the cost. Each MQ-9B drone is estimated to cost approximately USD 100 million, significantly higher than the projected cost of India's indigenous programs. For instance, the total cost of the Tapas project, another indigenous UAV initiative, was roughly USD 215 million, less than the price of two MQ-9Bs. Critics argue that India could have acquired a larger fleet of domestically produced drones for the same budget, thereby bolstering its defence manufacturing ecosystem and research and development capabilities.
Furthermore, experts emphasize that while the MQ-9B drones are technologically advanced, their impact in a large-scale conflict may be limited. "Thirty-one UAVs will not change the outcome of a war," one analyst argued, suggesting that a larger fleet of indigenous drones would be more strategically advantageous.
This acquisition also raises questions about India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, a key component of the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. Critics argue that relying on foreign platforms like the MQ-9B could hinder the development of a robust domestic drone industry.
The government's decision appears to be driven by immediate operational requirements, given the ongoing tensions with China. The MQ-9B's ability to conduct long-range surveillance and precision strikes in challenging terrain is seen as a valuable asset. However, the debate highlights the difficult balance between addressing short-term military needs and investing in long-term indigenous capabilities.
While the Indian government has not officially commented on the reasons for choosing the MQ-9B over its own drone programs, some sources suggest that delays and technical challenges in the indigenous programs may have played a role. Others point to the potential benefits of interoperability with US forces and access to advanced American technology.
This debate is likely to continue as India navigates its complex defence needs and strives to achieve self-reliance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
