अमेरिका के साथ 4 अरब डॉलर के हत्यारबंद अवशेष ड्रोन सौदे का भारतीय रक्षा के लिए क्या मतलब है

In a significant step towards enhancing its military capabilities, India inked a historic deal with the United States to procure 31 advanced MQ-9B Predator drones earlier this week. The agreement, valued at nearly $4 billion, was signed in New Delhi on October 15, 2024, between the Indian government and American defence contractor General Atomics. This deal marks a major boost in India's defense preparedness, particularly in countering threats along the contested borders with China.

The Indian government’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 31 long-range, armed Predator drones along with associated equipment on October 9, 2024, just a few days before the signing of the contract. This move is part of a larger effort to modernise the Indian military’s aerial surveillance and strike capabilities.

This $4 billion contract is India’s second-largest defense procurement from the United States, coming after the $4.5 billion deal for 11 C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft. 

Out of the 31 MQ-9B drones, 15 Sea Guardians will be allocated to the Indian Navy. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army will each receive eight Sky Guardians. These drones are set to enhance the tri-service capabilities of the Indian military, which already operates two leased MQ-9B drones in the Navy.

The MQ-9B drones will be equipped with powerful Hellfire missiles, 450 kilograms of GBU-39B precision-guided glide bombs, advanced navigation systems, and cutting-edge sensor suites. These capabilities will significantly enhance India’s ability to carry out precision strikes on high-value targets.

The first batch of MQ-9B drones is expected to be delivered in about four years, with the entire fleet likely to be in place within six years. This gradual deployment will allow India to integrate these advanced systems into its defense forces efficiently.

A performance-based logistics (PBL) agreement was signed alongside the main contract, ensuring that the drones will be supported by depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for eight years or up to 150,000 flying hours, whichever comes first. This will ensure the long-term operational readiness of the MQ-9Bs.

With the induction of the MQ-9B drones, India’s ability to conduct long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions will be significantly enhanced. 

The acquisition of these drones will enhance India’s capacity to carry out precision strikes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where China has been rapidly expanding its naval presence. This is a strategic move to bolster India’s naval dominance in a region that is becoming increasingly contested.

The MQ-9B drones will be deployed at key command centers across India. For maritime surveillance, they will be based in Arakkonam and Porbandar, while for land-based operations, they will be stationed in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur. This will ensure comprehensive coverage of India’s strategic borders and coastlines.

The MQ-9B Predator drones are believed to be far more advanced than the armed drones currently used by China, such as the Cai Hong-4 and Wing Loong-II, which have been supplied to Pakistan. India’s acquisition of these superior drones will provide a technological edge over its regional adversaries.

The MQ-9B drones are capable of flying for up to 40 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. This makes them ideal for long-endurance missions that require sustained surveillance and reconnaissance over vast areas.

The MQ-9B drones will be controlled via satellite communications, allowing for remote operations over great distances. This capability ensures that the drones can cover expansive territories, enhancing India’s strategic ISR reach.

The Predator and Reaper drones are only available to a select group of NATO countries and close US military allies. India’s inclusion in this group highlights the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.

While there is no provision for technology transfer in this deal, General Atomics will provide expertise and consultancy to India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other entities to help develop indigenous drone capabilities in the future.

On the day of the signing, the Ministry of Defence of India posted on X: “Ministry of Defence today inked a contract with the US Government for Tri-Service procurement of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Another contract has been signed with General Atomics Global India Pvt Ltd for Performance Based Logistics for these RPAS through Depot Level Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul in India. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi.”

The signing of this landmark deal represents a major milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities. With advanced MQ-9B Predator drones, India is poised to significantly enhance its defense posture, especially along contested borders and in the Indian Ocean Region, where strategic competition with China is intensifying. This agreement also underscores the growing defense ties between India and the United States, setting the stage for further cooperation in the years to come.