Indian Navy Clears Deal for 31 Predator Drones from US, Contract Signing Expected in Coming Months

Defense News ,India :- In a major stride towards enhancing its capabilities, the Indian Navy has achieved a significant milestone with Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar announcing the approval of a crucial deal to acquire 31 Predator drones from the United States. The decision, sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council, paves the way for the imminent signing of the contract.

Chief Admiral Kumar expressed optimism about the deal's progress, stating, "We are the lead servers who are steering it. The letter of request has been cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, and the letter of request has gone to the US government. They have given us a draft letter of availability. Now the final one will come. It has to be placed before the (the US) Congressional committee thereafter it will come."

The acquisition of these drones is poised to significantly enhance India's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in the maritime domain. Valued at approximately USD 4 billion, the contract includes provisions for weapons and other operational equipment.

The procurement process entails a lead time for manufacturing and delivery, with the first aircraft expected to be operational in around 36 months. Admiral Kumar underscored the importance of this acquisition for bolstering India's national security interests, especially in the maritime domain.

Apart from acquiring Predator drones, the Indian Navy is actively involved in fostering regional maritime cooperation. The upcoming MILAN 2024 exercise, scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27, will witness the participation of over 50 countries. This exercise highlights India's commitment to ensuring safe and secure maritime environments in collaboration with international partners.

Furthermore, the Eastern Naval Command recently hosted Corvette 20 of the Vietnam People's Navy and USS Halsey (DDG-97) of the United States Navy for the MILAN 2024 exercise. This signifies the growing cooperation and camaraderie among nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The MQ-9B Predator drone, a variant of the MQ-9 "Reaper" developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAV designed for extended flight durations at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. With a maximum endurance of 40 hours, it provides a reliable platform for prolonged surveillance missions.

Equipped with strike missiles, the MQ-9B Predator is capable of engaging and eliminating enemy targets with high precision. This capability enhances its effectiveness in various roles, including land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, and expeditionary missions.

The MQ-9B drone has two variants - SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, with the latter being in operation by the Indian Navy since 2020. Its automatic take-off and landing capabilities, along with its ability to integrate into civil airspace, make it a versatile asset for joint forces and civil authorities, providing real-time situational awareness in the maritime domain.

The procurement of 31 Predator drones by the Indian Navy marks a significant leap forward in enhancing India's maritime capabilities. This acquisition, coupled with the ongoing MILAN 2024 exercise, reinforces India's dedication to promoting regional maritime security and cooperation.