Why Indian Predator Drone Will Be A Game-Changer, Here's Why

The interest in acquiring US Predator MQ-9B armed drones by the Narendra Modi government grew after the crystal clear images of Chinese military capabilities across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were seen by national security planners.

These images were taken by the same drones leased to the Indian Navy post-PLA aggression on East Ladakh in May 2020.

Photo Credit: PTI

Indian Predator Drone: A Game Changer

The actionable intelligence on PLA military capabilities, missile silos, rocket systems deployments, and troops' movement along the 3488 km long LAC was obtained through the surveillance footage of the leased Sky Guardian drones and the Indian Navy's Boeing P8I multi-mission aircraft, reported by Hindustan Times.

With the green signal given by the US for the USD 3.99 billion deal, India is set to acquire 31 latest armed versions of the Predator drone, multiplying its military capability in the Indo-Pacific.

Following are the points highlighting how these drones would be a game changer:

• The deal will allow the Indian Navy to have maximum maritime domain awareness in the region, with 15 drones, and the deterrence to challenge any expansionist Navy.
• Despite attempts by the Western and left media to scuttle the deal, the top leadership of both sides is in constant communication to prevent any discordant note.
• The Predator drone, proven in the legacy of the Afghan and Iraq wars, surpasses Chinese-manufactured drones in capabilities, enhancing India's counter-terrorism capabilities.
• The purchase includes 170 Hell-Fire missiles with an 11-kilometre range and 310 Laser Guided Bombs with a nearly 150-kilometre range, significantly boosting India's ability to target intruders without crossing borders.
• The operational ceiling of 27000 feet and the ability to look down on the enemy from nearly 50,000 feet positions the Predator drone as a heavyweight in offensive mode in the Indo-Pacific.