An official notification of the possible sale of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude, long-durability armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to India has been sent to the US Government. . Included in the projected $3.99 billion purchase are accompanying weapons and equipment. This development coincides with allegations of a US government hold on the transaction and worries over India's "high-level" investigation into the Pannun incident.
Sale Details
- A 30-day review period was initiated after DSCA certification.
- US and India to continue with a letter of offer and acceptance if approved.
- Purchase includes 310 GBU-39B/B laser small-diameter bombs, 8 guided test vehicles, 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire captive air training missiles, and 31 MQ-9B UAVs.
Proposed US-Indian Alliance Sale
- Aims to strengthen the US-Indian alliance and India's defence allies status.
- UAVs to support political stability, peace, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions.
- General Atomics to negotiate offsets and set up a global MRO facility in India.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had already given the go-ahead to buy more units for the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, in addition to the 31 MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that were already planned to be bought from General Atomics. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) sent a letter of request to the US government before the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will be three years after the deal is made before delivery starts, and the deal should be finalised this year.
Capabilities got better
- Indian protection will be much stronger with the MQ-9B UAVs for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance).
- The Indian Navy could use the US-made P-8I long-range marine patrol plane with this to keep an eye on the Indian Ocean area.
To sum up, India's planned purchase of MQ-9B robotic aerial vehicles is a significant step towards strengthening defence ties between the two countries and making India safer.
(With Input from agencies)
(Image source : Hindu/ X)
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