India’s Defence Body Approves Purchase of 31 Armed Drones from the US. India’s top defense authority approved the procurement last year, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington. On Tuesday, India signed an agreement with the US State Department to acquire 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones, as announced by the Indian Ministry of Defence.
The deal, which follows discussions that began in 2018, is expected to significantly enhance India’s surveillance and intelligence capabilities. It aligns with US efforts to shift India away from purchasing Russian military equipment while also addressing China’s growing influence.
The Pentagon approved the deal in February, with the drones primarily intended for use by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region. According to reports, India’s rivals, China and Pakistan, possess advanced air defense systems that may restrict the use of drones along India’s land borders.
