Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s defence capabilities, India and the United States have signed deals worth Rs 32,000 crore for the procurement of 31 Predator drones. These advanced drones will be distributed among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance their strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as to conduct precision strikes.
The agreements also include the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the drones in India, bolstering the nation’s long-term defence infrastructure. Senior officials from both countries were present during the signing of the deals, which marks a crucial step in India’s defence collaboration with the United States.
Strategic Importance of the Drones
These “hunter-killer” drones, capable of operating at high altitudes for extended periods, will significantly enhance India’s ability to monitor critical areas and conduct precision operations. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where China has been increasing its naval activities, will be a key focus area for the deployment of these drones.
Approved by the Prime Minister-led cabinet committee on security on October 9, the deal involves the delivery of the 31 MQ-9B remotely-piloted aircraft systems, complete with Hellfire missiles, precision-guided glide bombs (GBU-39B), navigation systems, sensor suites, and mobile ground control stations. The first deliveries are expected to commence in four years, with the entire fleet expected to be operational within six years.
Deployment and Operations
India plans to deploy these drones at key ISR command centers in Arakkonam and Porbandar to monitor the IOR and at Sarsawa and Gorakhpur for land border surveillance. The MQ-9B drones, currently used by NATO countries and other close military allies of the US, are known for their precision in strike operations, having proven their effectiveness in conflict zones like Afghanistan.
Criticism and Concerns
While the deal has been hailed as a game-changer for India’s defence forces, critics have pointed out that these drones have predominantly been used in “uncontested air space” without facing opposition from advanced air defence systems. Some question how effective these drones will be in highly contested environments with hostile air forces and sophisticated missile systems.
A Major Defence Partnership
This deal is the second-largest defence acquisition between India and the US, following the earlier induction of 11 C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlift aircraft, which cost around $4.5 billion. Additionally, the Indian Navy has acquired 12 P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft from the US for $3.2 billion, further strengthening the defence ties between the two countries.
