Key Points of the Agreement:
- Utility: The deal is worth ₹32,000 crores, one of India’s valuable security procurements from the U.S.
- Distribution: 15 drones for the Navy, with the remaining 16 divided between the Army and Air Force.
- Zone Would Be: Drones will be at strategic zones across India.
- MRO Facility: Establishment of a regional facility to improve supervision abilities and encourage indigenous defense exhibit.
India and U.S. Sign Rs. 32,000 Crore Predator Drone Deal: India and the United States deal is to be signed today. Valued at ₹32,000 crore for 31 Predator drones. The deal is poised to enhance India’s military powers and strengthen its defense sector.
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How Significant is this Deal for India’s Defense Forces?
The deal includes the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, 15 designated for the Indian Navy, and the remainder split between the Army and Air Force. These drones will be at strategically acute locations such as INS Rajali in Chennai and Porbandar in Gujarat. The sight of high-ranking Indian security officials at the signing tradition underscores the importance of this deal.
Strategic Importance: Establishment of MRO Facility
These cutting-edge “hunter-killer” drones will significantly support India’s credentials in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Given China’s extending naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), this acquisition is timely, improving India’s ability to monitor and respond to regional hazards. The deal retains plans for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India. It has also facilitated technological collaboration and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
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