India Set to Finalize $4 Billion Deal for 31 Predator Drones with US in October

Boosting Defence Ties: High-Tech Drones to Bolster India’s Surveillance and Strike Capabilities

India is poised to sign a landmark $4 billion deal with the United States for 31 advanced MQ-9B Predator drones next month. This major defence acquisition, which includes weaponized “hunter-killer” drones, is nearing its final stages, pending approval from the finance ministry and the Prime Minister-led cabinet committee on security.

Sources confirm that the Ministry of Defence’s contract negotiations have been successfully concluded for the government-to-government deal, initially priced at $3.9 billion.

Strategic Move Ahead of Modi’s US Visit

The deal is expected to coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US for the Quad leaders’ summit, hosted by President Joe Biden on September 21. This acquisition will see 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and 16 Sky Guardians divided between the Army and Air Force.

Advanced Drone Technology Without ToT (Terms Of Trade)

Although the deal does not include a direct transfer of technology, the drones will be assembled in the country, with General Atomics, the manufacturer, investing locally and sourcing over 30% of components from Indian firms. General Atomics will also assist India’s DRDO in developing indigenous high-altitude drones.

Enhanced Strike Capabilities

The MQ-9B drones are designed for strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Capable of flying for 40 hours at altitudes over 40,000 feet, the drones will come equipped with Hellfire missiles, precision-guided bombs, and advanced sensor suites. India also plans to arm them with indigenous naval short-range anti-ship missiles (NASM-SR) developed by DRDO.

The initial deliveries are expected within the next two to three years, with deployment across key ISR command centers in Arakkonam, Porbandar, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur.

Countering Growing Chinese Presence

The deal comes amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Chinese naval vessels, including submarines, pose strategic threats to India’s maritime security. The Predator drones will enhance the country’s ability to conduct anti-warship and anti-submarine warfare operations, making them crucial in securing the IOR.