In a move solidifying the U.S.-India strategic partnership and bolstering its maritime surveillance capabilities, India has secured a potential $3.99 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian armed drones and a comprehensive support package. The State Department officially approved the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) on Feb. 1st, paving the way for negotiations with prime contractor General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
The deal marks a significant acquisition for India, equipping its armed forces with advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of extended-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, particularly over its vast sea lanes. The package includes 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, known for their endurance and payload capacity, along with 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDBs), and various sensors and communication systems.
“This proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation,” the State Department stated in its notification to Congress. This enhanced capability comes at a crucial time, with India facing maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
The agreement also reinforces the growing strategic partnership between the U.S. and India, a key element in the Indo-Pacific strategy. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship,” the State Department highlighted.
While concerns about potential regional imbalances are often raised with such arms deals, the State Department maintains that “the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Implementation of the FMS will involve logistics and program support services from the U.S. government and contractor, with personnel training and equipment included in the package. Negotiations with General Atomics are expected to finalize the deal, which may include offset agreements where the contractor invests in India’s defense industry.
This acquisition signifies a significant step for India’s military modernization efforts and its commitment to securing its maritime domain. The integration of the MQ-9B Sky Guardian fleet will undoubtedly have a profound impact on regional dynamics and further solidify the U.S.-India strategic alliance.
For more information, hit the Source below