NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India has signed a landmark $4 billion deal with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, further strengthening its military and surveillance capabilities. This move is seen as part of growing defense cooperation between the two nations amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The sale, valued at $3.99 billion, includes advanced surveillance equipment and precision-guided munitions, along with the drones. The acquisition will bolster India’s ability to conduct unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols over key sea lanes, with an emphasis on monitoring the Indian Ocean, where China has increased its presence in recent years.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the sale, stating that it will enhance India’s ability to address current and future threats. It emphasized that the deal aligns with both nations’ shared goals of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. India will absorb these drones into its Navy, Army, and Air Force, adding critical strength to its defense forces.
“This sale supports the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by strengthening a key defense partner,” the DSCA noted.
India’s Ministry of Defense highlighted that this procurement reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its military. The drones, produced by General Atomics, have high-end surveillance capabilities and are designed for long-endurance flights, capable of carrying out missions in complex operational environments.
The drones’ ability to carry out unmanned surveillance is especially crucial as India looks to strengthen its maritime security. With increasing concerns about Chinese influence and activities in the Indian Ocean, these drones will play a key role in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity.
The deal also underscores the broader U.S.-India defense partnership, with previous agreements including the production of GE F-414 jet engines in India. Both nations have sought to deepen their defense and technology cooperation, viewing each other as vital strategic partners in the region.
The MQ-9B drones are part of a larger effort to elevate military collaboration between the two democracies, aiming to ensure stability in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
