New Delhi: India is all set to procure 31 MQ-9B predator drones which is expected to further boost India’s defence. During the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, the latter had also welcomed the progress in the agreement.
Notably, India is procuring drones known as 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian at an estimated cost of $3 billion. The procurement of these drones will help India strengthen border areas near China and also in the Indo-Pacific region. MQ-9B predators also have the potential to remain in the air for nearly 35 hours. It can fly at an altitude of 50,0000 feet with a highest speed of 442 km/h. The drone can carry a payload of around 1,700 kg.
Procurement to boost surveillance
The procurement will also boost India’s enhancement in surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities of India’s armed forces. Also, the price negotiations on the deal are yet to be made public formally, which is likely to be completed by October end.
Importantly, the procurement deal is currently at the final stage. According to ‘The Times of India’s reports, the cost of the deal, setting up of an MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) facility, logistics support based on performance, and other such issues were finalised after negotiations.
Agreement to increase the total value of US contracts with India
Also, the agreement will increase the total value of US contracts with India in the defense sector by over $25 billion since 2007. Since June last year, India has been focusing on co-developing and co-producing advanced weapon systems under the defence-industrial cooperation roadmap. According to the government, these 31 drones will be assembled in India. General Atomics, the company will invest in India and gather nearly 30 percent of components from domestic firms.
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