India Finalizes $3.5-Billion Deal with the U.S. for 31 MQ-9B Armed UAVs

India Finalizes $3.5-Billion Deal with the U.S. for 31 MQ-9B Armed UAVs

Sub : Sci

Sec: defence

Why in News

India has finalized a $3.5-billion deal with the United States for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of enhancing its defense capabilities. This deal was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security and is part of India’s growing strategic ties with the U.S.

About MQ-9B UAV:

India is procuring 31 MQ-9B armed UAVs, which include 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians—eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force. The contract was signed under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program of the U.S., ensuring interoperability and maintenance standards.

The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper”, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations.

These are high-altitude long-endurance drones armed with strike missiles which can take out enemy targets with high accuracy.

It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).

The MQ-9B has two variants — SkyGuardian and its sibling SeaGuardian.

The Indian Navy has been operating the MQ-9B Sea Guardian since 2020.

Features of MQ-9B:

It can carry up to 5,670 kg and has a fuel capacity of 2,721 kg.

The drone can operate at over 40,000 feet.

The Predator also has a maximum endurance of 40 hours, making it useful for long-hour surveillance.

It can support land, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike, electronic warfare and expeditionary roles.

It is also capable of automatic take-offs and landings.

It can safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain day or night.

Strategic Importance

The induction of MQ-9B UAVs is set to significantly boost India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, particularly enhancing the Navy’s ability to monitor vast oceanic regions, including the Indian Ocean. These UAVs will help in reducing the wear and tear on the Navy’s existing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

Tri-Service Integration: The UAVs will be deployed across all three Indian services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—augmenting joint operations and enhancing the strategic surveillance and defense posture of the country.

Other aspects of the Deal: 

Two major contracts were signed: one with the U.S. government for the UAV systems, and another with General Atomics Global India Pvt Ltd for performance-based logistics, ensuring the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of these UAVs in India.

Missiles and Weapons Package: The deal also includes the supply of 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire captive air training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and 8 GBU-39B/B LSDB guided test vehicles with live fuses.