India set to sign $3.9 bn contract for Predator drones from US.
As per reports, India is expected to finalize a significant defense deal next month for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US.
The $3.9 billion (approximately Rs. 33,500 crore) contract has received approval from the contract negotiating committee.
It will pave the way for enhancing India’s surveillance and combat capabilities after getting a final nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The agreement includes a government-to-government arrangement between India and the US. As per sources, key terms like cost, MRO facility in India, and performance-based logistics have been finalized via intensive negotiations.
While direct ToT may not be part of the contract, the manufacturer will source over 30% of components locally and invest in India. Once inducted, the drones are expected to undertake a range of ISR and over-the-horizon strike missions.
Their deployment along India’s land and maritime borders is considered strategically important amid rising security challenges.
The first deployments are planned over the next 2-3 years across IOR command centers and land border locations. The armed drones will enhance India’s military prowess in the region against expanding Chinese activities.
