October 15, 2024
Two separate contracts will cover the acquisition and the establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the deal earlier this month, and the drones will enhance India’s fleet
General Atomics, the US manufacturer, has partnered with Bharat Forge to produce UAV components and establish a global maintenance hub in India
The US firm will also assist India in developing its combat drone programme, although technology transfer details are yet to be finalised
India is set to sign an INR 34,500 crore agreement with the United States on Tuesday to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones for its armed forces. Established through a government-to-government pact, this significant deal will see these long-range drones distributed among the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The contract includes provisions for two separate agreements, one addressing the acquisition of the drones and the other covering maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities.
The deal, approved earlier this month by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, will provide the armed forces with 31 armed drones, adding to the two MQ-9Bs already leased by the Indian Navy. Although one of the leased drones was recently lost in an accident, it is expected to be replaced. These new drones are anticipated to significantly bolster India’s surveillance and combat capabilities.
General Atomics, the US-based manufacturer of the MQ-9B drones, has already formed a strategic partnership with Bharat Forge to produce components for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India. The company has also committed to setting up a nationwide global drone maintenance hub. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector.
Furthermore, General Atomics will provide consultancy services to support India’s domestic programme for developing unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Although there have been discussions about a potential technology transfer as part of the deal, the final details on this aspect have not yet been worked out. This acquisition marks a critical step in India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military capabilities.
Source: Economic Times