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Major defense agreement strengthens India's surveillance capabilities, with drones allocated to the Army, Navy, and Air Force
India Signs $3.5 Billion Deal with US for 31 MQ-9B Drones
India signed a major defense deal with the United States in October 2024 to buy 31 MQ-9B drones in a deal worth $3.5 billion. The purchase, which aims to improve India’s defense preparedness as the nation continues to focus on countering the challenges posed by China, is particularly significant.
Allocation across services The historic agreement, which was reached after eight years of talks and approvals from two US administrations, saw India lease two drones during the discussions. The US side had to get congressional approval, highlighting the deal’s strategic significance. The deal states that the Indian Navy will get 15 drones and the remaining 16 will be divided between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Known for their high-altitude and long-endurance capabilities, the MQ-9B drones are expected to greatly enhance India’s operational and surveillance capabilities.
Establishing a maintenance facility in India
A key aspect of the deal is General Atomics’ commitment to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The move is in line with India’s broader drive to attract global defense investments and strengthen its indigenous defense manufacturing sector.
The Indian Defence Ministry announced the deal in a post on Twitter, saying, “Agreement has been signed with the US Government for the tri-service procurement of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).” The ministry further noted that a separate agreement has been signed with General Atomics Global India Private Limited to undertake performance-based logistics, depot-level maintenance and repairs within India.
Enhancing Strategic Proficiency India and the United States
The agreement has been praised by defense analysts as a significant step forward in the strategic alliance between the US and India. U.S. Institute of Peace senior scholar Samir Lalwani outlined three key elements of the agreement.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles will help India detect hostile developments on land or at sea, including from China, in advance and prevent conflict,” Lalwani said, highlighting the significance of drones in enhancing “deterrence through detection.”
