India-America MQ-9B Predator Drone Deal: The US has proposed a deal of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones worth $3.99 billion between India and the US. The first meeting of the Acquisition Council of the Ministry of Defence is going to be held tomorrow in the third term of the Narendra Modi government. In this meeting, the Ministry of Defence will consider the US proposal to develop drones. Let us know what are the features of this drone.
US proposal to develop advanced Indian drones
The US has proposed to consult Indian organisations to develop advanced drones as part of the project. In which the US has proposed to consider Indian organisations to develop advanced drones. On the other hand, the Ministry of Defence will discuss this proposal of the US in the Acquisition Council meeting to be held tomorrow (July 29).
Drone development time can be reduced
According to the information, on one hand, America has proposed to Indian organizations to develop advanced Indian drones, while on the other hand, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present in the meeting to be held by the Ministry of Defense. In which, the interpretation of the American proposal is expected to significantly reduce the time taken in the development of advanced drones.
All three armies of India will get 31 Predator drones
It is worth noting that India and America have been discussing the drone deal for some time now. With the acceptance of this proposal, all three armies of India will get 31 Predator drones. In which the Navy will get 15 and the Air Force-Army will get two drones each. All three wings of the Indian Army are considering the drone deal. In which the Indian Navy is in talks with the US to do this deal. These drones will prove to be more useful in enhancing India's ability to counter maritime surveillance, reconnaissance patrol capability and future threats. The estimated price of which is $ 3.99 billion i.e. about Rs 33 thousand crores according to the Indian currency. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic state visit took place in June 2023, the drone deal was announced.
The drone is capable of targeting and attacking the enemy even while flying
The drone is equipped with AGM-114R Hellfire missiles with semi-active laser (SAL). Especially since this drone has special navigation capabilities, it can be launched from a higher altitude than previous variants. At the same time, the laser support of LSDB installed in the drone is capable of targeting and attacking the enemy even while flying.
What is special about Predator Drone?
The biggest feature of the MQ-9B Predator drone is its ability to fly for about 40 hours at an altitude of more than 40,000 feet. These drones are suitable for surveillance and attack purposes in the army and are capable of air and ground attacks.
Ability to fly for over 40 hours in all types of weather
This drone can fly for more than 40 hours in all kinds of weather through satellite. Due to its capabilities, the Predator drone can be used for people's assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue operations. Apart from this, it can be used everywhere such as law enforcement, anti-submarine warfare, aerial mine countermeasures, long-range tactics, over-the-air.