Biden Administration Notifies Congress on $3.99 Billion MQ-9B Predator Drone Sale to India
Defense News ,India :- In a significant stride toward solidifying the mega deal announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in June last year, the Biden administration has officially informed the US Congress about its proposal to supply 31 MQ-9B Predator long endurance drones to India. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the US government provided the necessary certification for the potential sale, marking a crucial step in the approval process.
Initiating the Congressional notification process on Thursday, insiders revealed that a letter of approval is anticipated to be dispatched to India approximately 30 days after Congress approves the procurement. The State Department has determined and approved a potential foreign military sale to the Government of India for MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and related equipment, estimated at USD 3.99 billion, as disclosed by the DSCA.
Following the Congressional approval, negotiations on pricing will commence, with the DSCA emphasizing that the mentioned figure of USD 3.99 billion serves as a threshold to avoid exceeding costs. The DSCA asserted that the proposed sale aims to bolster the US-Indian strategic relationship, enhance national security objectives, and contribute to the foreign policy goals of the United States.
Describing India as a vital force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region, the DSCA outlined that the MQ-9B drones would empower India to address current and future threats through unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. Stressing India's commitment to modernizing its military, the DSCA expressed confidence in India's capability to absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces without disrupting the regional military balance.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, based in Poway, CA, is designated as the principal contractor for the sale, with potential offset agreements to be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the internal processes of the US for such supplies and reiterated New Delhi's respect for those procedures during a media briefing. The article also addresses the ongoing negotiations, internal timelines, and media reports surrounding the drone sale to India, shedding light on the diplomatic intricacies involved.
The article concludes by highlighting the significance of India's procurement of MQ-9B drones to enhance surveillance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The drones, categorized as 'hunter-killer' and capable of extended endurance, are set to be distributed among the Navy, Air Force, and Army, playing a pivotal role in reinforcing India's defense capabilities.
