In a significant development, the United States Congress has been formally notified of the potential sale of 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to India, marking a groundbreaking $3.99 billion defense deal. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the necessary certification, initiating a 30-day review period for Congress. The deal includes armed drones and an assortment of missiles and bombs, emphasizing the strategic cooperation between the U.S. and India.
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The proposed sale also includes 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire captive air training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and 08 GBU-39B/B LSDB guided test vehicles with live fuzes, among other equipment.
The approval from the U.S. government underscores its commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship with India, considering it a major defense partner crucial for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region. The deal aligns with India’s efforts to modernize its military and addresses current and future threats through unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation.
The proposed sale has been in the works for nearly six years, with the final go-ahead received during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the U.S. last year. The $3.99 billion deal covers the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, marking a landmark agreement in government-to-government defense collaboration.
The U.S. State Department emphasizes that the proposed sale aligns with India’s commitment to modernizing its military, assuring that the country will seamlessly absorb the advanced technology into its armed forces. As part of the deal, General Atomics, the manufacturer of the MQ-9B, is set to establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, contributing to offset obligations.
Despite earlier reports suggesting a potential hold on the deal over the Pannun episode and concerns regarding India’s inquiry, the formal notification to Congress signals a significant step forward. The drones, known as ‘Predators,’ are remotely-piloted aircraft systems designed for offensive missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations globally.
The MQ-9B drones are poised to significantly augment India’s military capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and on warships for missions in the Indian Ocean region. The use of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones marks a paradigm shift in modern warfare, emphasizing the integration of remotely-piloted systems alongside traditional human-powered platforms.
The approval of this defense deal not only signifies a crucial milestone in U.S.-India relations but also underscores the evolving nature of military technology and strategic partnerships in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.