India to acquire 31 armed Predator Drones from the US
- India is set to kick off the formal acquisition process for 31 weaponised MQ-9B Reaper drones, also known as Predator-B drones, from the United States.
- The Indian government aims to sign the contract within the year and introduce these remotely-piloted aircraft systems over the course of 6-7 years in various phases.
- The deal, estimated to cost around $3.5 billion or approximately Rs 29,000 crore, will strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
Formal Acquisition Process Begins:
The Indian Government is preparing to initiate the acquisition process for 31 MQ-9B drones in early July. This follows the acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the deal by the defence acquisitions council led by Rajnath Singh on June 15. In the first week of July, the actionable letter of request (LoR) for the 31 drones will be sent to the US government.
Induction Plans and Costing:
Under the contract, the Indian Navy will induct 15 Sea Guardians, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force will each receive eight Sky Guardians. The estimated cost of the deal stands at $3.5 billion. Upon receiving the LoR and letter of acceptance (LoA) from India, the US government will provide the final costing and notify the US Congress under the foreign military sales (FMS) program. The final contract will be signed after obtaining approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Domestic Collaboration and Assembly:
To promote domestic manufacturing and technology transfer, General Atomics, the drone maker, will collaborate with Indian companies to assemble the drones in India. Initially, approximately 8-9 percent of the components will be manufactured locally, with the potential to increase it to 15-20 percent. This collaboration will not only boost India’s defence industry but also support the country’s ambitions to establish a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for drones, catering to countries like Australia and Japan.
Induction Timeline and Capabilities:
Depending on General Atomics’ production capacity, India plans to induct the first 10 MQ-9B drones within 1-2 years of signing the contract. The remaining drones will be inducted in batches every 6 months. These high-altitude long-endurance drones possess strike missiles capable of accurately eliminating enemy targets. Apart from their offensive capabilities, the drones will be employed for long-range surveillance along India’s borders and maritime areas. Equipped with air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs, they enable precise long-range strikes.
Implications for India’s Defence:
The acquisition of 31 armed Predator drones will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities. These advanced drones will provide the country with increased situational awareness and operational reach, bolstering its ability to monitor and respond to potential threats effectively. With their long endurance and precision strike capabilities, the MQ-9B Reaper drones will contribute to India’s defence strategy, especially in border security and maritime surveillance.
India’s decision to acquire the Predator drones marks a significant increase in its fortification and surveillance capabilities. The process, which is to be initiated in July, will reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing national security. As India looks forward to the induction of these advanced drones, the country is poised to bolster its defence capabilities and safeguard its borders effectively.
