Summary:

India and the United States will execute a $3.81 billion (Rs. 32,000 crore) agreement to buy 31 Predator drones and establish an MRO facility in India, enhancing military surveillance. The MQ-9B drones will be distributed among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The government-togovernment agreement, approved by the CCS, includes two contracts that aim to increase India's self-reliance in drone maintenance. Senior authorities and corporate leaders will attend the signing event.

The Defence Acquisition Council accepted the agreement, which must be signed by October 31 to validate the American offer. The drones will be stationed at four locations: INS Rajali, Porbandar, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur. The Indian Navy currently operates two leased Predator drones; however, one was recently lost, and a replacement is anticipated shortly. General Atomics, the MQ-9B manufacturer, has teamed with Bharat Forge to produce UAV components in India, with plans to establish a global MRO hub there. The transfer of technology for UCAVs has not yet been finalized.

Source: IBEF 

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