India’s $4 billion deal with the US for 31 Predator drones

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India has finalized a substantial agreement valued at $4 billion with the United States for the procurement of 31 Predator drones, alongside the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility within India.The Cabinet Committee on Security has sanctioned the purchase of these 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, with 15 designated for the Indian Navy, while the remaining units will be evenly allocated between the Air Force and the Army. The MQ-9B Predator is recognized as a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of sustained flight for up to 40 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. In addition to its advanced surveillance functions, the MQ-9B is equipped with precision strike missiles, enabling it to engage targets with remarkable accuracy.

The drone is also designed for automatic take-offs and landings, ensuring its safe operation within civil airspace.India has engaged in negotiations regarding the deal with the United States for several years; however, the final obstacles were overcome just a few weeks ago during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council. This approval was necessary before October 31, as the American proposal was only valid until that date.The drones will be stationed at four potential sites, which include INS Rajali located near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, as well as Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.The Indian armed forces have secured the drones from the United States through a tri-services agreement, with the quantity determined by the military following a comprehensive scientific assessment.