India has signed an agreement with the US to purchase 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, which are high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) made by General Atomics. The deal costs about ₹32,000 crore and will also set up a place in India to take care of and repair these drones. This agreement happened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden talked about it at a meeting called the Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware.

 

Enhanced surveillance capabilities for Indian Armed Forces

 

The new drones will help the Indian armed forces watch over areas much better. Reports say that the total value of the deal might go up to ₹34,500 crore. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the project last week. According to the agreement, the Indian Navy will get 15 drones, and both the Indian Army and the Air Force will each receive eight drones.

The discussions about this deal have been ongoing for several years. However, the final approvals were given just a few weeks ago during a meeting about buying new defense equipment. This was important because the American offer was only valid until October 31. The drones will be set up at four possible places: INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, and Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

India, US to ink Rs 32,000 crore deals for 31 Predator drones, MRO on Tuesday - News India Times

 

Key features of the MQ-9B drones

 

In February, the US agreed to sell these drones to India for about $3.99 billion. One of the special things about the MQ-9B Predator is that it operates very quietly, which helps it carry out missions without being easily seen or heard. It can fly as low as 250 meters above the ground, making it hard for targets to notice it.

The drone can fly as fast as 442 km/h and can reach heights of up to 50,000 feet, which is higher than most commercial planes. One of the great things about the MQ-9B is that it can carry out long missions in any type of weather. It can also be armed with air-to-ground missiles and air-to-air missiles, which makes it very versatile and able to handle different situations.

The MQ-9B can fly 2,000 miles without needing to stop for fuel. It can carry up to 1,700 kg of weight, including four missiles and about 450 kg of bombs. The company that makes the drone, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, says it can fly for up to 35 hours without stopping or stay in one place over a target for a long time.