SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is poised to expand its partnership with India’s tri-service following the successful securing of orders for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones in June 2024. With deliveries set to commence in 2026 for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, GA-ASI is now exploring avenues to strengthen ties with India, a key market in its global strategy. Informed sources cited by idrw.org indicate that the company is particularly enthusiastic about offering its innovative Gambit Series, signaling a potential new chapter in Indo-U.S. defense cooperation.
The Gambit Series is built around a modular “Gambit Core,” a versatile platform comprising common hardware such as landing gear, baseline avionics, chassis, and other essential systems. This core, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the cost across variants, offers economies of scale, reduces expenses, enhances interoperability, and accelerates the development of specialized models. The series includes four distinct configurations: Gambit 1 for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); Gambit 2 for air-to-air combat; Gambit 3 as an advanced trainer; and Gambit 4 for stealth combat reconnaissance. This flexibility positions the Gambit Series as a multi-mission asset tailored to diverse operational needs.
While the specifics of GA-ASI’s cooperation plans for the Gambit Series with India remain unclear, the company appears to view India as a long-term prospective customer. The tri-service’s recent investment in the MQ-9B, powered by the Honeywell TPE331 engine—also used in HAL’s HTT-40 and Do-228 aircraft—suggests a foundation for technical synergy. This could pave the way for joint development, technology transfer, or localized manufacturing, aligning with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. However, the extent of collaboration, including whether it involves co-production or merely sales, is yet to be defined.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.