India is set to finalise a significant defence deal with the United States for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, valued at ₹32,000 crore (approximately $3.85 billion). The agreement, scheduled to be signed on Tuesday, includes the purchase of the drones along with the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
While the deal value is confirmed at ₹32,000 crore, some reports suggest that it may increase to ₹34,500 crore depending on the scope of the MRO facility and other components.
The MQ-9B Predator drones, known for their high-altitude, long-endurance missions, are equipped with advanced technology for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes. The acquisition will significantly boost India’s ability to monitor both maritime and land borders, especially in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region, where China’s naval activities have been increasing.
The drones will be equipped with Hellfire missiles, GBU-39B precision-guided bombs, and sophisticated sensor systems, making them a valuable asset in India’s defence portfolio.
Out of the 31 drones, 15 will be allocated to the Indian Navy, while the remaining 16 will be equally distributed between the Indian Army and Air Force. The drones will be stationed at key command centres in locations such as INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, and air-bases in Uttar Pradesh, including Sarsawa and Gorakhpur.
As part of the agreement, a separate contract will be signed with General Atomics, the U.S. manufacturer of the drones, to establish a global MRO facility in India. This facility will enable the Indian military to maintain and repair the drones locally, promoting self-reliance in defence operations.
Around 34% of the drone components will be sourced from India, supporting the country’s “Make in India” initiative. The MRO deal includes performance-based logistics for up to 150,000 flying hours or a period of eight years, whichever comes first.
This contract marks the second-largest defence deal between India and the United States, following the $4.5 billion acquisition of 11 C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The growing defence partnership between the two countries reflects a strategic alignment, particularly in response to evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s influence has been expanding.
The Predator drones will also enhance India’s capabilities in long-range surveillance and precision strikes, particularly compared to China’s Cai Hong-4 and Wing Loong-II drones, which have been supplied to Pakistan.
India’s defence ties with the U.S. have been steadily growing over the past two decades, with more than $25 billion worth of defence deals signed between the two nations. Other major U.S. defence acquisitions by India include 12 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Navy and 13 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft for the Air Force.
Although there is no transfer of technology (ToT) involved in this deal, General Atomics will provide consultancy and expertise to help India develop its own indigenous heavy-duty combat drones in the future. This could further enhance India’s self-reliance in developing critical defence technologies.
