A team from the United States is in India to discuss the US and India drone Deal for $3.99 billion to buy MQ-9B drones. The final agreement is still pending as both sides are negotiating technology sharing. Representatives from General Atomics are in the capital to discuss acquiring 31 drones, with 15 for maritime use.
The US government approved the deal in February, increasing its estimated value from $3 billion to $3.99 billion. However, the technology-sharing talks have not yet been finalized. There are also concerns within the Indian armed forces about recent reports of advanced drones being shot down in conflict zones in West Asia.
US and India Drone Deal Expands General Atomics Connections
General Atomics, a US company, is getting closer to India. They want to make more drone parts in India, starting at 8-9% of the deal’s value and aiming for 15-20%. They’re already teaming up with Bharat Forge to make parts for UAVs, and they plan to set up a place to fix MQ-9B drones in India.
Unlike before, they don’t have to put 30% of the deal’s value into India for this government deal. This is happening because India is worried about fancy drones being shot down in West Asia, so they’re asking for more of the drones to be made in India to help them make their own drones.
Once ready, MQ-9B drones will be based at three places in India. One is INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, where the Navy already uses two drones. They’ll set up more hubs in North India and the North East.
US Approves $4 Billion Sale of 31 MQ-9B Drones to India
Earlier, on February 2, the Pentagon informed Congress about a significant arms deal: the sale of 31 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones to India, a negotiation process that began six years ago. This breakthrough agreement gained momentum during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US last year at the invitation of President Joe Biden.
According to the Pentagon, the sale encompasses 31 Predator drones and related missiles and equipment at a cost of nearly $4 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed that the State Department has given the green light for this transaction, estimating the value of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and associated equipment at approximately $3.99 billion.
US-India Drone Deal Advances Amid Political Shifts
The Pentagon says selling drones to India will boost the US-India relationship and enhance security in the region. While the sale still needs approval from US Congress, most lawmakers support strong ties with India. Some Democrats criticize Indian Prime Minister Modi’s human rights record, but the deal still seems likely to go through.
Approval from US congressional leaders was needed, but Senator Ben Cardin lifted his objections after the Biden administration promised to investigate an alleged Indian plot in the US. This deal also shows India relying less on Russia, its main arms supplier for years. Russia supplied 65% of India’s weapons worth over $60 billion in the last 20 years.
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