SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development, General Atomics has agreed to increase the Indian content in its MQ-9B HALE UAVs from the initial 7-8% to a substantial 16-20%. This decision comes after the Indian Ministry of Defence expressed dissatisfaction with the earlier level of indigenous content.
India is in the process of acquiring 31 MQ-9B UAVs for its tri-services, a deal valued at over $3 billion. The increased focus on indigenous content is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
General Atomics has already established a partnership with Bharat Forge Limited to manufacture critical components such as main landing gear assemblies for its UAVs. The company is now exploring opportunities to collaborate with other Indian firms for sourcing additional components.
A nearly 100% increase in indigenous content signifies a major step forward and indicates that more crucial parts of the MQ-9B UAVs will be manufactured domestically. This will not only create employment opportunities but also contribute to the growth of India’s aerospace industry.
Furthermore, General Atomics has offered to provide consultancy services to India’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) for its proposed HALE UAV program. This collaboration will help transfer technology and expertise, enabling India to develop its own indigenous HALE UAV capabilities in the future.
The increased Indigenous content and technology transfer will strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence platforms.
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