New Delhi — In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities along the contentious border with China, India has signed a landmark agreement with the United States for the procurement of 31 Predator drones, valued at approximately four billion dollars (Rs. 32 thousand crores). The deal was finalized in Delhi on Tuesday, with high-ranking officials and defense experts in attendance. The procurement, facilitated by the US defense contractor General Atomics, falls under the 'Arms Sales to Foreign Armies' framework.
This strategic agreement received the green light from India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just last week. Under the terms of the deal, India will acquire 15 'Sea Guardian' drones for the Indian Navy, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each receive eight 'Sky Guardian' drones. The 'Sea Guardian' is particularly versatile, capable of undertaking various missions including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range target identification.
The acquisition of these advanced drones is primarily aimed at enhancing the surveillance capabilities of India's security forces, especially along the disputed borders with China. This move comes in the wake of heightened tensions and escalating military presence in the region. The Indian Ministry of Defense had approved the purchase of the 'MQ-9B Predator' drones last June, a variant of the well-known MQ-9 Reaper, which is equipped to deploy a modified version of the Hellfire missile.
The Predator drones are renowned for their advanced features, including Long-range and high-altitude flying capabilities - An impressive endurance of over 35 hours in the air. The capacity to carry and deploy four Hellfire missiles along with a 450 kg bomb This acquisition marks a pivotal step in India's efforts to modernize its military assets and ensure a robust defense posture amidst regional challenges. As tensions with China continue to simmer, the introduction of these sophisticated drones is expected to significantly enhance India's operational readiness and strategic oversight.