The United States has given the green light for a significant $4 billion drone deal with India, enhancing New Delhi’s military capabilities amidst its growing partnership with the U.S. and rising border tensions with China.
This landmark deal marks a shift for India, which has historically relied on Russian arms, a relationship complicated by sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
The drone deal was discussed by Indian officials during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington last year, invited by President Joe Biden against the backdrop of India’s military skirmishes with China and Pakistan.
After months of negotiations, the U.S. State Department announced it had notified Congress of the deal, which includes 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, the most advanced variant of the Predator drones manufactured by General Atomics.
According to a State Department statement, “The proposed sale will support India’s ability to counter current and future threats by enabling maritime and reconnaissance patrols with unmanned aircraft in operational maritime domains.”
The statement further highlighted India’s commitment to modernizing its military, noting that India would have no difficulty assimilating these assets and services into its armed forces.
The Guardian drones, capable of maritime surveillance and submarine detection, can remain airborne for 35 hours per sortie and are equipped to launch Hellfire missiles and carry bombs weighing up to 450 kilograms.
The deal awaits approval from the U.S. Congress, where the majority of members are inclined towards strengthening ties with India, despite criticism from some progressive Democrats concerning Modi’s human rights record.
