India and US Sign Rs 34,500 Crore Deal for 31 General Atomics Predator Drones

Oct 15, 2024, 07:59 AM

India and the United States have finalized a significant defense deal for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 34,500 crore (around $3.3 billion), includes the acquisition of both Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones. Under the agreement, the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each acquire eight Sky Guardian drones. Additionally, the deal encompasses the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The drones, manufactured by US defense major General Atomics, are expected to enhance India's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The agreement was signed on October 15, 2024.