India is yet to finalize the price and terms of purchase for 31 MQ-9B high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems with the United States. This clarification was issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) amidst reports on social media of India paying a higher price than other countries. The MoD statement called such reports speculative, uncalled for, and aimed at derailing the due acquisition of the purchase process with ulterior motives. The MoD has approved the acquisition of the MQ-9B drones through the foreign military sale route produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The procurement process is ongoing and will be completed as per the laid down procedure once the policy approval of the US government is received.
The press statement issued by the MoD states that the cost of 31 MQ-9B aircraft systems is estimated to be $3.072 billion, as per the acceptance of necessity (AoN) by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAQ). The price, however, is subject to negotiation once the US government’s policy approval is received. Upon receipt of policy approval, the Indian side will compare the acquisition cost with the best price offered by General Atomics (GA) to other countries. MoD’s statement also clarifies that India will compare the price with the best price offered by other countries before finalizing the terms of payment.
The Indian government’s clarification comes after a Reuters report that claimed that India would buy 31 General Atomics drones worth slightly over $3 billion. The report also said that the Indian defence ministry didn’t respond to the request for comment. The prices at which such MQ-9 drones have earlier been acquired by various countries have been estimated by media reports, and one such report claimed that the United Kingdom purchased an MQ-9 Reaper for 13 million pounds in 2021, which also included the associated kit.
The MQ-9B drones include 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian varieties, and India is yet to decide on the price and other terms for the purchase of these aircraft. The procurement process will follow the due acquisition procedures to complete the purchase process.
