India signs agreement to buy 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States, as step forward in terms of increasing defense capabilities. The deal will cost approximately $3.5 billion to the country. It will modernize and enhance India's military forces surveillance in every corner of land and sea.
Distribution of Drones Among Indian Forces
From the total 31 drones, Indian Navy will be given the 'SeaGuardian' version, which is specifically manufactured for sea-based operations. Eight 'SkyGuardian' drones will be received by Indian Army and the Air Force, suited for land-base missions. The deal has been approved by India's Cabinet Committee on Security and is a part of the Foreign Military Sales agreement between the two nations.
Features of MQ-9B Predator Drones
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems manufactured this MQ-9B Predator which is a variant of the drone MQ-9 'Reaper.' It can spend 40 hours in the air without returning to base and reports by satellite to its human controllers. It can capture information about events on the ground from a top altitude of more than 40,000 feet. The external payload capacity for one drone is 2,155 kg.
Besides surveillance, these drones can carry strike missiles and are able to perform automatic take-offs and landings.The deal is building strength for India's army and also creating defense cooperation between the two nations. As said by Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, "the deal reflects deeper military collaboration and strategic technology cooperation between the U.S. and India."
Inputs by Agencies
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