- Wednesday, May 07, 2025
The deal will serve to enhance New Delhi’s national security and surveillance capabilities, both in the Indian Ocean region and along its border with China.
By: India Weekly Staff
INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US president Joe Biden were set to announce a significant agreement on Thursday (22) regarding India’s acquisition of General Atomics MQ-9 “Reaper” armed drones, according to the White House. The deal will serve to enhance New Delhi’s national security and surveillance capabilities, both in the Indian Ocean region and along its border with China.
The General Atomics MQ-9 “Reaper” is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator. It boasts a payload capacity that is 500 per cent larger and possesses nine times the horsepower. With long-endurance capabilities, persistent surveillance, and strike capabilities, the MQ-9 UAV is a valuable asset for military operations.
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The General Atomics MQ-9 “Reaper” has an impressive endurance of over 27 hours and can reach speeds of 240 KTAS. It can operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and carries a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms), including 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores, as stated by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).
A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the impending announcement of India’s commitment to the purchase of MQ-9 Reaper armed UAVs, also known as Sea Guardians. The official expressed satisfaction with India’s decision, emphasizing the significant boost it would provide to India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The official further revealed that the joint statement would outline specific initiatives from the US side to address bureaucratic obstacles that have hindered previous deals. The efforts to streamline and support innovations have been appreciated by India, and both countries are determined to ensure that actions align with commitments.
MQ-9 “Reaper” represents a remarkable advancement in drone technology, drawing from the experience gained with the successful Predator RPA. It offers enhanced performance and reliability, as highlighted by GA-ASI.
India’s defence ministry previously approved the procurement of 30 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework. The deal, worth nearly $3 billion (£2.3 billion), is expected to be officially announced following the discussions between Modi and Biden.
The acquisition of these weaponised drones aims to bolster India’s surveillance capabilities, particularly along the border with China. It is part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s overall security apparatus and maintain vigilance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as well as in the Indian Ocean.
The desire for a swift conclusion to the predator armed drones deal was expressed during National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to the US, where he engaged in discussions with top American officials, including his counterpart Jake Sullivan. Both sides eagerly anticipate expediting the process to enable prompt delivery of the drones, which will significantly enhance India’s national security and surveillance capabilities.
(With agency inputs)
