General Atomics Expected to Deliver All 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones to India from 2027 to 2030

NEW DELHI – In a major boost to its defence capabilities, India is set to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from U.S.-based General Atomics, following approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

The deal, expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, will see the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force receive these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) between 2027 and 2030.

The MQ-9B platform is renowned for its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, along with its strike potential. This acquisition marks a significant step in India's efforts to modernize its armed forces with cutting-edge technology.

Initial deliveries are expected to commence in late 2027 or early 2028, with the Navy and Army each receiving one MQ-9B in the first phase. The complete fleet is anticipated to be in India's possession by the end of the 2030s.

The Indian Navy will be the largest beneficiary, receiving 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian variants specifically designed for maritime operations. These UAVs will significantly enhance the Navy's ability to conduct long-range patrols, track vessels, and monitor India's extensive coastline and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

The Army and Air Force will each receive eight MQ-9B Sky Guardian variants. These will bolster the Army's ground-based intelligence and reconnaissance operations, while the Air Force will utilize them for wide-area surveillance, airspace monitoring, and potential combat support through precision strikes.

The MQ-9B boasts an endurance of over 40 hours and can operate at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, providing India with enhanced surveillance capabilities across both land and sea. The drones can carry various payloads, including radar, sensors, and precision-guided munitions, making them suitable for both ISR and combat missions.

This acquisition aligns with India's broader strategy of strengthening its military with unmanned systems. The MQ-9B's versatility and capabilities make it a valuable asset in addressing the region's strategic challenges.

While the financial details and other specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, it is likely to include provisions for technology transfer and potentially local assembly or maintenance in India. This aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, which emphasizes domestic defence production.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

This drones can be easily shot down by our enemies. Naval variant can be some what useful. But they are vulnerable to attack from j15 and other advanced carrer based fighters.

 

[Bard of Anarchy]

This drones can be easily shot down by our enemies. Naval variant can be some what useful. But they are vulnerable to attack from j15 and other advanced carrer based fighters.

We can't use it against china that's for sure. Even houthis are shooting this down like flies.

 

[Sunil Choan]

Waste of buying American drones same money should have spent on Indian manufacturers

 

[neil]

This drones can be easily shot down by our enemies. Naval variant can be some what useful. But they are vulnerable to attack from j15 and other advanced carrer based fighters.

They're not meant for active hostile operations in active battlefield. Their huge advantage of low cost of operations and long endurance can be exploited in peacetime.

 

[beencensured]

We can't use it against china that's for sure. Even houthis are shooting this down like flies.

Not even against Pakistan.

 

[Sandeep]

Waste of buying American drones same money should have spent on Indian manufacturers

No Indian company has developed a similar type of armed drones as the USA drones.

 

[Sandeep]

Not even against Pakistan.

These drones are not meant to be used in a full active war. They are mainly for ISTAR purposes and to conduct strikes from across the border. If we are sure we have control of the enemy air space and not at threat from their SAM then we can use these drones all of the time in their land.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great that we have bought these drones as they are the best but they are expensive. Now we can conduct better ISTAR missions but it gives us a lot of offensive power to hit targets across the border which we need. At least now we can use our own missiles and bombs from the drone which helps us a lot and we can become more self reliant.

The ideal option is to quickly develop our stealth UCAV Ghatak drone which would be much better as we can use it in enemy territory to hit any targets with complete safety.

 

[Rajesh Patil]

No Indian company has developed a similar type of armed drones as the USA drones.

Have you heard about Israel's Drishti 10? It's completely made in India

 

[GMR]

This drones can be easily shot down by our enemies. Naval variant can be some what useful. But they are vulnerable to attack from j15 and other advanced carrer based fighters.

So, never to operate drones cause they can be short down??? Objective of the comment not clear..

 

[Akshat]

Have you heard about Israel's Drishti 10? It's completely made in India

It’s of a different category.

 

[Arz786]

Have you heard about Israel's Drishti 10? It's completely made in India

No. It is NOT made in India. Only assembled. Some structural parts ( fuselage) are also made in India. Indigenous content is less than 20%. That is why Air Force/ Navy/ Army has refrained from ordering it in large number.