Opinion Why India is Acquiring MQ-9 Predator Drones Despite Having a Similar Tapas UAV Program

India's planned acquisition of 31 MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US, despite its ongoing development of the indigenous Tapas UAV, underscores the complex realities of India's defence modernization efforts.

While striving for self-reliance in defence technology, India also faces immediate security challenges, particularly from neighboring China, necessitating the acquisition of proven and capable systems.

Technical limitations, especially concerning engine capabilities, have plagued the Tapas program, hindering its ability to match the endurance, communication range, and operational altitude of the MQ-9 Reaper. These shortcomings have prompted India to seek a more capable and readily available solution to meet its current defence needs.

The MQ-9's advanced capabilities, including its long endurance, satellite communication, and high-altitude operation, are particularly valuable for India in monitoring its vast borders and the increasingly contested Indian Ocean region.

The drones are expected to significantly enhance India's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enabling it to better track Chinese naval activity and respond to potential threats.

While the acquisition of the MQ-9s highlights the gap between India's indigenous aspirations and the realities of its defence industry, it also marks a significant step in India's deepening strategic partnership with the US.

This collaboration extends beyond drone acquisition, with ongoing discussions on joint production of jet engines and armored vehicles, reflecting a shared interest in countering China's growing influence.

India's simultaneous pursuit of indigenous defence development and collaboration with foreign partners demonstrates its nuanced approach to military modernization.

The country is committed to reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers, but it also recognizes the need to acquire proven technologies to address immediate security challenges.

The MQ-9 acquisition is likely to provide India with a crucial advantage in the short term, but the long-term goal remains to build a robust domestic defence industry capable of producing advanced systems like the Tapas UAV.

This will require continued investment in research and development, overcoming technological hurdles, and fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.

 

[PKPRS]

There is nothing in the World like these, these are indispensable to save a lot of money in the long run, there is simply no alternative.

 

[Dredd]

Tapas should be bought to the level of IAI heron which is MALE category, Predator is HALE category for which india need a separate program

 

[Kira]

Even if engines were powerful enough, then again you can't match upto the sophisticated sensors found in US drones, not even Israel has equivalent tech,which is the primary reason why Sevices wanted to acquire American drones even when there were competent and proven options present with Israel.

 

[Varaaah]

There is nothing in the World like these, these are indispensable to save a lot of money in the long run, there is simply no alternative.

Houthis shoot them down like flies. It is good, but also vulnerable.

 

[R. Singh]

ADANI defence and TATA 's should make HERON-TP, MQ-9 and MQ-4 Global Hawk for our armed forces !

 

[Sunil Choan]

There is nothing in the World like these, these are indispensable to save a lot of money in the long run, there is simply no alternative.

Must put money and time plus allow private companies like TATA, ADANI AEROSPACE & others to take helm and give us what we need

 

[NSR]

Indian Tapas-BH and Archer are not going anywhere and still getting developed.
The biggest mistake was not to choose a better engine to start with and it is not too late either to do so to get them over the hump.

India with extensive land borders and seas and ocean surfaces to cover has great and urgent need for this sophisticated ISR and attack Drone to attend to its geopolitical needs.

MQ-9B also drops sonarbuyos to detect enemy submarines so it is a critical requirement.

 

[PKPRS]

Houthis shoot them down like flies. It is good, but also vulnerable.

We can’t use these in the war, these are for peacetime surveillance of China-Pak and anti insurgent operations against terrorists, maoists and naxalites.

 

[Arz786]

To start with, engine could be a foreign engine, sensors could be also foreign. Even airframe for this class of drone could be very basic ( HTT 40 class, for example ). DRDO needed to do primarily the autopilot and system integration. But instead, they wanted to do everything, right from airframe, control law, sensors - everything. This is observed in many organizations where accountability is limited. Because expansion of scope of work ensures more budget, funding, empire building and longevity of scientists, engineers, data analysts, finance managers on that project. The timeline is typically 30-35 years till retirement. Hence most projects are discovered to have hit a dead end about 30 years after they were started.

 

[KVS]

While the MQ-9 drones' use for naval reconnaissance in Indian Ocean is needed, its vulnerabilities to anti-air systems on battlefields, especially on land begs answer. This is a serious situation, as we hear MQ-9 are being shot down by hamas terrorists.

 

[linus52]

Even if engines were powerful enough, then again you can't match upto the sophisticated sensors found in US drones, not even Israel has equivalent tech,which is the primary reason why Sevices wanted to acquire American drones even when there were competent and proven options present with Israel.

Problem arises when America can screw us when there are parts requirement which they can deny are we ever going to learn?.