World News | US Approves Sale of 31 MQ-9B Armed Drones to India | LatestLY
Washington, Feb 1 – The US has given the green light for the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India, a move that will enhance the country’s ability to counter both current and future threats. With an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion, this acquisition will enable unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, particularly in the sea lanes of operation.
The announcement of this significant drone deal was made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic State Visit to the US in June 2023.
According to a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion. The DSCA further stated that it had informed Congress of the possible sale.
The agency highlighted that this proposed sale will reinforce the strategic relationship between the United States and India, improving the security of a major defense partner in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. The unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities provided by these drones will empower India to effectively address present and future threats in the sea lanes.
India intends to utilize these long-endurance drones to enhance its armed forces’ surveillance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Under the deal, India will acquire 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, with the Navy receiving 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and Indian Air Force will each obtain eight SkyGuardian drones for land operations.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, recognizing India’s commitment to modernize its military, expressed confidence in the country’s ability to effectively integrate these articles and services into its armed forces.
Additionally, the agency assured that this sale would not disturb the military balance in the region, nor negatively impact US defense readiness.
The principal contractor for this deal will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
Discussions between US and Indian officials have been ongoing, with negotiations regarding the procurement taking place after India submitted its Letter of Request for the acquisition of drones from General Atomics.
The proposed procurement was also a topic of discussion during US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin’s visit to India in November, where he met with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh.
The Defense Acquisition Council, headed by Singh, granted initial approval for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US under the foreign military sale route.
The SeaGuardian drones, capable of maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting, among other tasks, will be deployed by all three branches of the Indian military.
The High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones can remain airborne for more than 35 hours and are equipped with four Hellfire missiles and a payload of approximately 450 kilograms.
In 2020, the Indian Navy leased two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics for one year, extending the lease subsequently for surveillance operations in the Indian Ocean.
This transaction signifies a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities, bolstering its security and improving its ability to counter emerging threats effectively.
