United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s plans to procure General Atomics MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV), according to a joint statement issued on June 22 after talks between the two leaders. This sets the stage for the acquisition of 31 armed UAVs — 15 for the Indian Navy and eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force. The process for their procurement through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme of the U.S. has commenced, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) having approved the deal last week.
A fact sheet issued by the U.S. said, “India intends to procure armed MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs. This advanced technology will increase India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.”
Giving further details on the nature of purchase, the joint statement said, “The MQ-9Bs, which will be assembled in India, will enhance the ISR capabilities of India’s armed forces across domains. As part of this plan, General Atomics will also establish a Comprehensive Global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support India’s long-term goals to boost indigenous defence capabilities.”
