Defence Ministry approves state-of-the-art armed predator drones deal with USA

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• Jun 15, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Defence Ministry approved the acquisition of Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) armed drones from the United States on...

Digital Desk: The Defence Ministry approved the acquisition of Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) armed drones from the United States on Thursday, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) making the final decision ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Washington on June 21.

The high-altitude, long-endurance drones are fitted with strike missiles capable of pinpoint accuracy against enemy objectives. The drones will also be used for long-range monitoring around the country's borders and coastal areas.

"Today's Defence Acquisition Council meeting approved the deal for Predator drones. The acquisition proposal would now need to follow a process before it can be approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security," ANI quoted defence sources as saying.

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According to ANI, the Indian Navy is the lead agency in the arrangement, in which 15 drones would be sent to the maritime force for surveillance activities in its area of responsibility.

The Indian Air Force and Army are scheduled to share an additional eight drones, bringing the overall transaction value to roughly $3 billion (Rs 22,000 crore).

The three services also intend to acquire similar drones with medium altitude and extended endurance from domestic sources.

The decision comes as China ramps up production of armed drones, which are also being supplied to Pakistan.

According to Reuters, "India has long expressed interest in purchasing large armed drones from the United States, but bureaucratic stumbling blocks have hampered a hoped-for deal for SeaGuardian drones."

Since the date of PM Modi's visit has been fixed, the US State Department, Pentagon, and White House have pushed India to demonstrate progress on the sale of up to 30 armable MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones manufactured by General Atomics, according to two sources cited by Reuters.

PM Modi and President Joe Biden are also anticipated to discuss the co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, such as armoured personnel carriers, during the Indian PM's visit to Washington, according to Reuters.

PM Modi is set to visit the United States from June 21 to June 24, when he will be hosted by US President Joe Biden at the White House. This will be Prime Minister Modi's first state visit to the United States in his nine-year reign.