Defence Ministry to take up $3 billion deal for acquiring MQ-9 Reaper from US

According to the reports, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is all set to finalise a deal of acquiring MQ-9 Reaper armed drones from the US today in the national capital. As reported by Defence officials, many other “Make in India” defence deals are also part of the meeting. The discussion on the deal comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US next week.

Notably, the $3 billion contract to buy 30 MQ-9B Predator armed drones is eagerly anticipated. The purchase of these drones is important because the Indian government is going to use them to strengthen its monitoring system along the border with China and in the Indian Ocean region.

According to sources within the Department of Defence, the original goal was to rationalise the purchase of these drones and lower the total number from 30 to 18 or less. India, however, now anticipates carrying out its original intention to buy 30 drones. The Indian Navy has taken the initiative in acquiring these drones and has been actively pursuing the matter.

A proposal of ₹70,500 crores for the purchase of various weapon systems for the Indian defence forces was authorised by the Defence Ministry earlier in March as part of a significant push towards “Make in India” in the defence industry.

Key features of MQ-9B

The SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian models of the MQ-9B are two variations. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian has been in use by the Indian Navy since 2020. According to General Atomics, the MQ-9B Sea Guardian has a fuel capacity of 6,000 lb (2,721 kg) and a carrying capacity of up to 12,500 lb (5,670 kg). The drone’s operating height of more than 40,000 feet gives the Indian military the ability to monitor the high-altitude Himalayan border regions.

The Predator is useful for 24-hour monitoring because of its 40-hour maximum endurance. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is capable of supporting expeditionary, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and strike missions. Automatic takeoffs and landings are also possible with the MQ-9B Sea Guardian.