India to Buy 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Predator Drones Worth $4 Billion

DELHI- India prepares to finalize a major deal with the US for 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Predator drones in October 2024.

The Defence Ministry has completed the draft note for the Finance Ministry’s review, awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Photo: General Atomics

India Buying MQ-9B Predator Drone

The Contract Negotiation Committee’s report has been submitted and accepted for this government-to-government agreement. The US initially quoted $3.9 billion (over Rs 33,500 crore) for the deal, TOI reported.

Prime Minister Modi plans to visit the US for the fourth in-person Quad leaders’ summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21. This visit coincides with the finalization of the drone deal.

Officials expect to sign the contract by mid-October. Negotiations have addressed costing, the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India, and performance-based logistics support.

While the deal excludes direct technology transfer, the 31 remotely piloted aircraft will be assembled in India. Drone manufacturer General Atomics commits to investing in India and sourcing over 30% of components from Indian companies.

General Atomics will also provide expertise to DRDO and other Indian entities for indigenous development of high-altitude, long-endurance drones.

Photo: General Atomics

Risky Neighbours

India accelerates negotiations for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, responding to China and Pakistan’s expanding armed UAV fleets. The deal allocates 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and 8 Sky Guardians each for the Army and Air Force.

These drones, capable of 40-hour flights at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet, will be equipped with 170 Hellfire missiles and 310 GBU-39B precision-guided glide bombs. Additional features include advanced navigation systems, sensor suites, and mobile ground control systems.

India plans to integrate indigenous weapons, such as DRDO’s naval short-range anti-ship missiles, into these drones in the future. This move aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense technology.

The MQ-9B drones will enhance India’s long-range strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. They also offer over-the-horizon targeting and can conduct anti-warship and anti-submarine warfare operations.

This acquisition addresses China’s increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Chinese survey vessels have been mapping oceanographic data crucial for submarine operations, raising concerns about future regular deployments of Chinese nuclear-powered submarines in the area.

India aims to receive initial drone deliveries within two to three years. The country plans to station these drones at ISR command and control centers in Arakkonam and Porbandar for maritime surveillance, and Sarsawa and Gorakhpur for monitoring land borders.

MQ-9B SkyGuardian | Photo: General Atomics

Unbeatable Drone

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian represents the latest advancement in remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). This next-generation drone delivers persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities globally.

SkyGuardian boasts an impressive 40+ hour flight endurance, operating via satellite communication. It navigates all weather conditions and integrates safely into civil airspace, providing real-time situational awareness worldwide.

The aircraft features the advanced Lynx Multi-mode Radar and an electro-optical/infrared sensor. Its 79-foot wingspan exceeds its predecessors, enhancing its performance capabilities.

SkyGuardian’s versatility extends to various ISR operations, including humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, law enforcement, and border patrol. It also performs military functions such as defensive counter-air, airborne early warning, and electronic warfare.

The SeaGuardian variant expands its capabilities to maritime operations, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne mine countermeasures.

Drawing from a system family with over 8 million flight hours, SkyGuardian incorporates enhanced payload capacity and an open architecture. This design allows the integration of advanced sensors and even kinetic payloads for complex operations.

The aircraft features nine hardpoints with a 4750 lb external payload capacity, enabling customization with sovereign payloads and mission systems.

SkyGuardian meets NATO standards (STANAG 4671) and complies with global civil airspace requirements. Its Detect and Avoid System and Certifiable Ground Control Station facilitate seamless integration with normal air traffic.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) collaborates with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to approve MQ-9B for civil airspace flight.

The UK’s Royal Air Force leads SkyGuardian’s adoption, designating it as the Protector RG Mk1.

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