Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has approved the acquisition of 31 MQ-9 Predator B armed drones from the United States, signaling deepening bilateral defense cooperation. The decision was made just before the Prime Minister’s state visit to the US on June 21. This purchase follows the Indian Navy’s acquisition of 24 MH-60 R anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the US in February 2020.
The Defense Acquisition Council, headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the acceptance of the necessity for armed drones. The Cabinet Committee on Security, which India’s Prime Minister chairs has approved General Electric and HAL to join forces in producing F 414 jet engines locally. This landmark decision represents a significant step towards advancing self-reliance in defense production and ensuring sovereignty against potential threats. The government’s endorsement of this collaboration marks an important milestone for India’s aerospace sector.
The acquisition of the Predator B drones signifies India’s recognition of the importance of stand-off weapons delivery platforms. These advanced drones are equipped with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and precision bombs, making them valuable for targeting high-value enemy assets. With the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) unable to develop a viable armed drone, the Modi government opted for directly purchasing Predator B drones through the foreign military sales route to ensure transparency and avoid any involvement of intermediaries.
Additionally, the drone deal will extend the lease of two Sea Guardian drones currently deployed by the Indian Navy, as their lease expires in January 2024. In parallel, the decision to manufacture the F-414 engine in India will support the development of the Tejas Mark II fighter and strengthen the Indian Air Force’s fighter squadron capabilities.