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SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing its military surveillance and strike capabilities, India is set to receive the first batch of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from the United States in 2029. This development, which comes after years of negotiations and agreements, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington in the realm of defense technology.

The acquisition, valued at nearly $3.5 billion, was formalized under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This deal was one of the outcomes of high-level discussions between Indian and U.S. leadership, aiming to fortify the security apparatus of both nations in the Indo-Pacific region. According to the agreement, the delivery of these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will span from January 2029 to September 2030, with the initial drone landing on Indian soil marking a new chapter in military technology transfer.

The MQ-9B drones, consisting of both Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian variants, are renowned for their long-duration flight capabilities, reaching up to 40 hours, and high-altitude performance, capable of flying at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. These drones are not only designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) but also possess strike capabilities, enhancing India’s ability to monitor vast maritime and border areas with precision and effectiveness.


Sea Guardian:
Tailored for the Indian Navy, these drones will expand maritime domain awareness, crucial for monitoring the Indian Ocean’s extensive sea lanes.

Sky Guardian: Allocated to the Indian Army and Air Force, these UAVs will bolster border surveillance, especially along sensitive areas like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

Beyond the military advantages, this deal includes a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract with General Atomics for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) within India. This aspect ensures long-term support for the drone fleet and promotes the growth of India’s indigenous defense industry, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It’s anticipated that some of the drones will be assembled in India, fostering technology transfer and local manufacturing skills.

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