New Delhi, India - The Indian armed forces are set to bolster their surveillance and strike capabilities with the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics, a major U.S. defence contractor. The nearly $3.5 billion deal, finalized under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, will see the delivery of these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) between January 2029 and September 2030.
This acquisition marks a significant step in modernizing India's defence capabilities, providing the Navy, Army, and Air Force with cutting-edge technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as precision strike capabilities. The MQ-9B, known for its high-altitude, long-endurance capabilities, will significantly enhance India's ability to monitor its vast borders and maritime zones.
The delivery schedule, confirmed by defence officials, outlines a phased approach, with the first drone arriving in January 2029, 51 months after the contract signing and initial payment. The final delivery is expected by September 2030, 72 months after the deal's commencement. This staggered delivery, spaced out over 21 months, will allow for seamless integration of the drones into the Indian armed forces.
The 31 MQ-9Bs comprise 15 Sea Guardians specifically designed for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians to be divided equally between the Army and Air Force. The Sea Guardians will enhance the Navy's maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean, enabling long-range patrols, vessel tracking, and surveillance of critical sea lanes. The Sky Guardians will strengthen border surveillance efforts along sensitive areas like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Beyond their ISR capabilities, the MQ-9Bs are armed platforms capable of carrying a range of munitions, including Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs. This offensive capability provides the Indian armed forces with the ability to conduct precision strikes against high-value targets, minimizing risks to personnel.
The acquisition of these drones has been a long and complex process, with initial proposals dating back several years. The deal faced hurdles due to inter-service debates on priorities and cost concerns. However, the final agreement reflects a consensus on the critical need for these advanced UAVs to enhance India's national security.
In addition to the drones, the deal includes a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract with General Atomics for depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) in India. This ensures long-term support for the MQ-9B fleet and promotes indigenous defence industry capabilities through a tie-up with a local Indian company.
This significant investment in drone technology underscores India's commitment to modernizing its armed forces and maintaining a strategic edge in a rapidly evolving security environment. The MQ-9B Predator drones are poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding India's national interests and enhancing its defence capabilities in the years to come.
