Biden, Modi to Unveil Armed Drones Deal: White House

WASHINGTON: India and the United States are set to announce a significant deal involving the purchase of General Atomics MQ-9 "Reaper" armed drones by India, according to the White House. This agreement will enhance India's national security and surveillance capabilities, both in the Indian Ocean region and along the border with China.

Compared to its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, the General Atomics MQ-9 "Reaper" offers a 500 percent increase in payload capacity and nine times the horsepower. It provides extended endurance, persistent surveillance, and strike capabilities for military operations.

The MQ-9 "Reaper" boasts an impressive endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 knots true airspeed, a maximum operational altitude of 50,000 feet, and a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms), including 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores, as per General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).

A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the impending announcement of India's commitment to purchasing the MQ-9 Reaper armed drones. This move is expected to significantly augment India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, both over the sea and along its borders.

The official expressed delight in India's decision, emphasizing the importance and usefulness of enhanced ISR capabilities to India's security interests. Furthermore, the joint statement accompanying the deal will outline specific initiatives on the US side to streamline bureaucratic processes that may have hindered previous agreements.

The official acknowledged the effort made in removing bureaucratic obstacles to facilitate the procurement of GE engines, noting the positive response from India. However, they emphasized the importance of following through on these commitments to ensure alignment between words and actions.

The MQ-9 "Reaper" represents a significant advancement in performance and reliability, building upon the battle-proven Predator RPA from General Atomics, according to GA-ASI.

On June 15, India's Ministry of Defence approved the acquisition of 30 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US through a government-to-government framework. It is anticipated that the deal, valued at nearly USD 3 billion, will be announced following discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden in Washington.

The procurement of these weaponized drones aims to enhance India's surveillance capabilities, particularly along the border with China. The Sea Guardian Predator drones will play a crucial role in bolstering India's armed forces' surveillance capabilities, and the deal will help fortify India's security apparatus along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in the Indian Ocean.

During National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval's visit to the US in February, the expedited conclusion of the 30 predator armed drones deal was discussed with top American leadership, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Both sides expressed their eagerness to fast-track the agreement. India is keen on an early decision to strengthen its national security and surveillance capabilities, not only in the Indian Ocean but also along the LAC.

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