India has signed a deal with the U.S. to buy 31 Predator MQ-9B drones made by General Atomics. This agreement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the drones at the Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware last month.
The deal is worth ₹32,000 crores and includes setting up a maintenance and repair facility in India. This will improve the Indian armed forces' ability to conduct surveillance. Reports suggest the total cost of the deal could increase to ₹34,500 crores.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the project last week, which will see 15 drones going to the Indian Navy, with the rest divided equally between the Air Force and the Army.
India has been negotiating this deal with the U.S. for several years, but the final approvals were obtained just weeks ago at a Defence Acquisition Council meeting. The deal needed to be finalized before October 31, as that was when the U.S. proposal would expire.
The drones will be stationed at four potential locations: INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE MQ-9B DRONES?
The U.S. approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian military in February for about $3.99 billion.
One of the main features of the MQ-9B Predator is that it operates quietly, making it stealthy. It can fly as low as 250 meters above the ground without being detected unless someone spots it.
The drone can reach speeds of up to 442 km/h and fly at altitudes of around 50,000 feet, which is higher than most commercial airplanes.
Another important feature is its ability to conduct long missions in any weather. The drone can be equipped with both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
The MQ-9B can travel 2,000 miles without needing to refuel and can carry up to 1,700 kg of cargo, including four missiles and about 450 kg of bombs. According to its manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the drone can fly continuously or hover over targets for up to 35 hours.
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