India is on track to finalize a major defense contract with the US-based General Atomics for the acquisition of MQ-9B Predator drones. The deal, valued at around $3.1 billion, received the green light from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on July 30. It now awaits expenditure approval from the Finance Ministry and final authorization from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The agreement needs to be completed by October 31 to avoid potential cost increases from the manufacturer.

Details of the Predator Drone Acquisition

The agreement involves the purchase of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. Each drone will be equipped with air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs. The distribution will see 16 drones enhancing the Indian Navy’s maritime security, eight assigned to the Indian Army, and the remaining eight supporting the Indian Air Force. This acquisition aims to bolster India’s defense capabilities across both maritime and land operations.

The Indian military plans to induct 10 MQ-9B drones as soon as possible, with the rest to be delivered in batches every six months. The Navy’s drones will be based at command and control centers in Arakkonam and Porbandar, strategically positioned along the coastline. The Army and Air Force drones will focus on monitoring the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

During a visit to the US in August, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received a comprehensive briefing on the Predator drone’s capabilities from General Atomics. These drones have demonstrated effective precision strikes in the Middle East and Afghanistan, targeting high-value assets with accuracy.

Currently, India operates two unarmed Sea Guardian drones, which are leased from General Atomics for maritime surveillance. The lease, initially set to end in January 2024, has been extended by four years. These drones provide real-time maritime domain awareness over critical areas including the Sunda Straits, the Suez Canal, and the southern Indian Ocean.

Reasons Behind the Acquisition

The move to acquire armed drones has gained urgency due to their increased use in global conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Gaza. Non-state actors like the Houthis and Hezbollah have also started deploying drones. Additionally, China and Pakistan have weaponized drones, with Beijing supplying such technology to Islamabad. This acquisition reflects India’s strategic response to the evolving landscape of modern warfare and regional security.

The Predator drone deal marks a significant step in enhancing India’s defense infrastructure and addressing the growing role of unmanned aerial systems in contemporary conflicts.

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