In a major milestone between Indo-US business relations, both nations have signed a whopping Rs 32,000 crore deal for the acquisition of 31 predator drones, along with the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The MRO facility is expected to enhance India’s self-reliance in drone maintenance.

The deal was sealed after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its approval for the purchase last week. 

Some reports have quoted that the total value of the contract could rise to Rs 34,500 crore.

This deal comes on the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and US President Joe Biden's talks about the acquisition of the Predator drones on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit held in Delaware.The MQ-9B models of drones will be procured under a government-to-government agreement between India and the US.

The speciality of MQ-9B drones

  • The drone is different from the rest because of its stealth feature. 
  • The drone can fly as close as 250 meters from the ground without the target knowing anything about it.
  • The drone has a maximum speed of 442 km/h and can soar at an altitude of around 50,000 feet, higher than that of a commercial aeroplane.
  • The drone can be sent on extended missions in any kind of weather.It has the option to be fitted with air-to-ground missiles in addition to air-to-air missiles.
  • It can fly 2,000 miles without refuelling and carry up to 1,700 kg of cargo, which includes four missiles and about 450 kg of bombs. 
  • The drone can fly nonstop or hover over targets for up to 35 hours
  • .Long-range drones will bolster the surveillance and combat capabilities of India’s armed forces.
  • The drones will be distributed among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Of the total 31 drones, 15 will be assigned to the Indian Navy, while the remaining 16 will be distributed equally between the Indian Army and Air Force.

Along with the UAVs, the deal encompasses advanced weaponry, such as 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and eight GBU-39B/B LSDB-guided test vehicles with live fuses.

According to experts, this deal was under consideration for many years, with India discussing the acquisition of drones with the US. Finally, the clearance came in post the Defence Acquisition Council meeting held a few weeks ago, and the agreement needed to be sealed before October 31 to remain within the validity of the American offer.

India plans to base the Predator drones at four locations: INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, and Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

The Indian Navy already operates two leased Predator drones, but one was recently lost in an accident, with a replacement expected soon. Once acquired, the drones will be equipped with combat capabilities, providing a significant boost to the military’s long-range reconnaissance and strike abilities.

US-based manufacturer of the MQ-9B drones, General Atomics, has already established a partnership with Bharat Forge for the production of components for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with the JV planning to establish a maintenance unit for the drones.