Wilmington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden recognised the remarkable progress that both countries have achieved under the US-India defence industrial cooperation roadmap, during their bilateral Summit in Wilmington early on Sunday. During their interactions, both leaders also discussed the progress on India’s procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B from the US.
The fact sheet released after the meeting between the two leaders read, “President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of India’s armed forces across all domains.”
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India looking to procure 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian drones from the US
Notably, India is looking to procure 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian drones at the cost of over USD 3 billion to further strengthen the country’s surveillance apparatus along the Indo-China border as well as the Indian Ocean region. According to news agency PTI, the price negotiations for the procurement of the two drones have been sealed and the deal is likely to be concluded next month formally. The drones, which can be piloted remotely can remain in the air for close to 35 hours and can be deployed on several missions.
Both countries committed to discussing further aligning defence procurement systems
During their meeting, both leaders also welcomed the teaming of Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering for the production of unmanned surface vehicle systems which will help in strengthening the maritime and under sea level domain awareness.
The fact sheet further said that both PM Modi and US President Joe Biden are committed to discussing further aligning their respective defence procurement systems to enable the supply of defense goods and services between both countries.
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