India to acquire $3.1 billion deal for predator drones with US

New Delhi: India’s much-anticipated acquisition of 31 Predator drones is nearing completion as the Defence Ministry prepares to approach the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval. Cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on July 30, the $3.1 billion deal with US-based General Atomics is expected to be signed before October 31 to avoid a price revision. The Cost Negotiation Committee (CNC) has already settled the final price, and the Defence Ministry is now seeking expenditure approval from the Finance Ministry.

Government-to-government deal

Under this government-to-government deal, 16 of the 31 MQ-9B drones will be allocated to the Indian Navy to enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Eight drones will support the Indian Army in land operations, while another eight will be designated for the Indian Air Force for targeted strike missions along land borders. The drones, equipped with air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs, will significantly bolster India’s precision strike capabilities.

During his visit to the US in August, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received a briefing on the MQ-9B's capabilities, which have been proven in the Middle East and Afghanistan. India has already been operating two leased Sea Guardian drones, an unarmed version of the Predator, for maritime surveillance. With the lease extended until 2028, these drones have been critical in monitoring maritime domains from the Sunda Straits to the South Indian Ocean.

India to enhance its defense capabilities

Given the rising use of armed drones in global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, India's decision to acquire these platforms is seen as essential. This is further emphasized by the fact that China and Pakistan are already operating similar drones. India’s move to enhance its defense capabilities comes at a crucial time as threats from non-state actors and regional adversaries continue to grow.

China and Pakistan’s operational use of armed drones, including the CH-4 UAVs, has further heightened the urgency for India to modernize its defense arsenal. The acquisition of Predator drones enhances India's deterrence capability, especially against adversaries that have already integrated UAV technology into their military strategies. These drones, equipped with air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs, will enable India to carry out precise, long-range strikes across its land and maritime borders.