SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a groundbreaking revelation, Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, has disclosed that 21 of the 31 MQ-9B Predator drones ordered by India will be assembled within the country. This announcement, made in an exclusive interview with BharatShakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, marks a pivotal moment for India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, reinforcing its push toward self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative. The $3.5 billion tri-service deal, signed with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, underscores a deepening India-U.S. defense partnership and promises to elevate India’s surveillance and combat capabilities.
The MQ-9B drones, comprising 15 SeaGuardian variants for the Indian Navy and eight SkyGuardian variants each for the Indian Army and Air Force, are among the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With a delivery timeline spanning three years, General Atomics plans to supply 10 drones in flyaway condition—ready for immediate deployment—while the remaining 21 will be assembled in India. “The deadline for delivery is three years, but it’s a government-to-government agreement on when the delivery will happen. All 31 will come in, out of which 10 will go in flyaway condition now, and the remaining 21 will be assembled in India,” Lall stated, highlighting the structured rollout of this ambitious project.
The decision to assemble 21 MQ-9Bs in India represents a significant advancement in strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base. General Atomics, a leading U.S. defense contractor, is collaborating with Indian companies such as Bharat Forge, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to establish a robust manufacturing and support ecosystem. This move not only enhances India’s technical expertise but also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India).
“Our assessment of Indian industrial partners has been very positive, and they have demonstrated outstanding capabilities,” Lall emphasized. Bharat Forge, known for its precision engineering, is expected to play a key role in producing components like landing gear and sensors, while HAL will leverage its experience in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. BEL, a leader in defense electronics, will contribute to avionics and systems integration. This collaboration promises to transfer advanced assembly know-how to Indian firms, fostering a self-sufficient defense supply chain.
The deal also includes the establishment of a Comprehensive Global MRO facility in India, ensuring long-term sustainment of the MQ-9B fleet. This facility, a first for General Atomics outside the U.S., will handle maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, reducing reliance on foreign support and enhancing operational readiness for India’s armed forces.
The MQ-9B drones are a quantum leap in unmanned technology, offering unmatched endurance, all-weather performance, and multi-role capabilities. The SeaGuardian variant, tailored for the Navy, excels in maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting, bolstered by a 360-degree maritime search radar. The SkyGuardian, designed for the Army and Air Force, enhances intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with the ability to carry precision-guided munitions like Hellfire missiles and Paveway bombs.
With a flight endurance exceeding 40 hours and an altitude ceiling of 50,000 feet, the MQ-9B will significantly boost India’s ability to monitor its borders and maritime domain. This is particularly critical amid rising tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The drones’ integration into India’s tri-services—15 for the Navy, eight each for the Army and Air Force—marks India as the largest operator of MQ-9Bs globally, amplifying its strategic deterrence.
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