Biden Government ‘Continues to Discuss’ 31 MQ-9B Drone Deal with the U.S Congress
Defense News ,India:- The Biden administration has not yet informed the US Congress about its intention to supply 31 MQ-9B Predator long-endurance armed drones to India under a $3 billion government-to-government framework, according to sources familiar with the matter. Negotiations between India and the US are ongoing, with discussions focusing on various aspects of the proposed deal, including the pricing component. However, the pace of the negotiations has slowed down following allegations by US federal prosecutors linking an Indian individual to a failed plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
US embassy spokesperson Chris Elms stated, "We continue to discuss with the US Congress the potential sale consistent with standard processes and policies guiding such arm sales decisions." Elms responded to a media report suggesting that Washington had blocked the drone sale to India until New Delhi conducts a thorough investigation into the failed assassination plot.
As part of the standard process, the State Department routinely engages Congressional foreign affairs committees before formal notification to address questions from committee staff, Elms explained.
Sources within the Indian defense establishment confirmed that talks on the multi-billion dollar deal are ongoing, but no clarity has been provided on when the procurement will be finalized. In November of the previous year, US federal prosecutors accused Indian national Nikhil Gupta of involvement in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada. India has established a probe committee to investigate the allegations against Gupta.
The proposed deal involves India procuring 31 MQ-9B Predator long-endurance armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework. While the cost of the drones will be determined during the negotiation process, it is estimated to be around USD 3 billion. The drones are intended to enhance the surveillance capabilities of the armed forces, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The deal was discussed during talks between US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Delhi in November. The Defence Acquisition Council approved the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US under the foreign military sale route in June of the previous year. The Sea Guardian drones, which can carry out various roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting, will be distributed among the three services. The Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and the Army will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones. These high-altitude long-endurance drones have the capability to remain airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and approximately 450 kgs of bombs.
In 2020, the Indian Navy leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics for surveillance in the Indian Ocean, and the lease period has since been extended.
