MQ-9B Predator Drones Neutralise Threat From Pakistan And China Border

Defense News ,India :- In a significant strategic move, India is poised to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones following the United States' approval of the sale during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June last year. The formal notification of the deal, valued at $3.99 billion, was presented to the US Congress on Thursday.

The approval initiates a crucial step in bolstering India's national security, as the MQ-9B is a high-capacity, high-altitude endurance drone with the ability to operate at 27,000 feet and reach heights of 50,000 feet. Equipped with advanced missiles and surveillance systems, these drones are set to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy, reinforce the Indian Army, and provide improved battlefield transparency to the Indian Air Force.

The government-to-government deal, involving no intermediaries, requires a letter of request from the Indian government to the US, which is followed by a letter of acceptance. With the deal valued at $3.99 billion, the draft letter of acceptance is currently under consideration by the US Congress for 30 days before the final letter is sent to India.

The MQ-9B drones hold critical significance for India's defense along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan. Their multi-faceted capabilities include offering clear battlefield transparency along the LAC, enabling the assessment of Chinese PLA's capabilities, including aircraft, bunkers, rockets, and missile systems.

Additionally, the armed MQ-9B drones act as a deterrent against aggressive movements by the PLA, providing the ability to respond to challenges at various altitudes and terrains. This acquisition is a notable advancement from India's current usage of leased Sky Guardian drones for surveillance, particularly during the Chinese transgression in East Ladakh.

The MQ-9B's arsenal includes four Hellfire missiles with an 11-kilometer range and at least two laser-guided bombs boasting a range of 150 kilometers using a glide vehicle. This places India on a competitive footing with neighboring nations, such as China and Pakistan, which possess armed drones like the Wing Loong-1 and 2.

In the evolving landscape of regional security, the MQ-9B Predator drones signify a game-changing asset for India, ensuring a robust and technologically advanced defense capability against potential threats.