Defence ministry clears 31 US drones’ acquisition ahead of PM Modi’s trip

The defence ministry has cleared the acquisition of 31 American drones forward of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s go to to the US. The MQ 9 drones can be able to long-range maritime surveillance in addition to precision air strikes, including to a rising stock of US-origin navy tools with the Indian armed forces.

The acquisition would require the approval of the Cupboard Committee on Safety (CCS) earlier than signing as it’s valued at near $3 billion and can be the largest defence contract inked with the US since 2011, when C 17 Globemaster transport plane had been acquired for over $4 billion.

Sources stated that the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council gave a go forward for the deal on Thursday, paving the way in which for last clearances by the CCS. The navy is anticipated to get 15 of the drones that can be used for long-range maritime surveillance. The navy already has two of MQ 9s on lease foundation from the US. The air pressure and armed forces are anticipated to get eight drones every, that are more likely to be outfitted for long-range precision strikes.

The final motion on the lengthy pending acquisition was in November 2021, when the Defence Procurement Board gave an approval to barter the contract. The contract is being pursued from the overseas navy gross sales route and as soon as all clearances are in place, India will then ship a proper request to the US authorities to provide the drones which can be made by Common Atomics.

The estimated $3 billion deal will make it the most costly drone ever bought by India, which has historically relied on Israeli know-how. Efforts are on to develop indigenous armed drones in addition to arming the in-service Israeli UAVs.