US Approves Nearly $4 Billion Sale Of 31 MQ-9B Armed Drones To India

The sale of MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to India in a deal nearly worth $4 Billion has been cleared by the US.

The required certification has been delivered by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, notifying the US Congress of the possible sale today.

Photo Credit: PTI

US clears Drone sale

The proposal to purchase 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones was made by India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US last year. The approval by the Biden administration is an important landmark in the government-to-government deal.

"The proposed sale aims to bolster the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and enhance the security of a major defence partner. This partner remains a crucial force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region," stated the Defence Security Cooperation Agency.

"The proposed sale is aimed at enhancing India's capability to address current and future threats by facilitating unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. India, having showcased a commitment to modernizing its military, will encounter no difficulty in incorporating these articles and services into its armed forces," added the agency.

Landmark Deal

The critical defence deal had been in progress for nearly six years, and the final approval came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit, resulting in the government-to-government finalization of the $3.99 billion deal. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are set to use the 31 drones acquired through this agreement.

The US agency's approval comes amidst circulating media reports suggesting a potential hold on the deal due to an alleged failed plot by an Indian national to assassinate India-designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. T

The sign-off by the Biden administration indicates the progress of the deal. While the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, did not confirm or deny the reports, he mentioned the crucial role of Congress in the US arms transfer process during a press conference.

The External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the report and drone sale, emphasizing that it is a matter on the US side, respecting their internal processes.

The Predators

Fifteen SeaGuardian drones will be allocated to the Indian Navy, while the Army and Air Force will receive eight each of the land version, SkyGuardian. The MQ-9B, produced by General Atomics Aeronautical, a US private defence firm, is being procured through a government-to-government deal.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin's discussions with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Delhi in November included the proposed procurement. Last year, the Defence Acquisition Council granted initial approval for acquiring 31 MQ-9B drones from the US under the foreign military sale route.

The remotely-piloted aircraft systems, also known as 'Predators,' are capable of offensive missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations globally. Termed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones, they can fly over the horizon via satellite for over 40 hours.

The drones, equipped with laser-guided Hellfire Missiles and 450kg bombs, are part of a significant defence deal. Deployment of these drones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and on warships for Indian Ocean region missions is anticipated. The adoption of remotely piloted systems signifies a shift in warfare, with drones playing a pivotal role alongside human-powered platforms.

(With PTI Inputs)