India signed a ₹32,000 crore agreement with the US to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, significantly enhancing its defence capabilities. The agreement, reached during the recent Quad Leaders’ Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, includes the establishment of an MRO facility in India.
The drones will be distributed across India’s defence services, with 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and eight Sky Guardians for the Army and Air Force. In addition to UAVs, India will acquire modern weapons, such as 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and 310 laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs.
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement, which includes basing privileges at four Indian locations: INS Rajali, Porbandar, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur. The purchase, previously valued at ₹34,500 crore, was accelerated to meet the Defence Acquisition Council deadline.
The MQ-9B drones, which are known for their stealth and endurance, can fly at speeds of up to 442 km/h and at altitudes of 50,000 feet. They have an operational range of 2,000 miles without refuelling and can transport payloads weighing up to 1,700 kg. These drones can handle both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, providing extended mission capability in all weather circumstances.
