New Delhi, In a significant development, the US Congress has given the green signal for the sale of 31 MQ9B Predator drones to India. The official Congressional notification is expected to be submitted within the next 24 hours, as confirmed by sources.
The US State Department is set to notify the sale, marking a milestone in the growing US-India defense partnership. The deal, proposed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit last year, is anticipated to enhance strategic technology cooperation and military collaboration in the region.
While the details of the deal are kept under wraps by the Modi government, it is revealed that the Indian Navy will receive 15 of the 31 armed drones, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force will each be allocated eight high-altitude, long-endurance drones.
US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller emphasized the positive trajectory of the US-India Defense Partnership, stating, “We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region.”
In parallel, the GE-414 engine deal with the US is reportedly progressing smoothly, with the CEO of the company informing the highest levels of the Modi government. Both the drone and aircraft engine deals are being managed by the national security advisors of India and the US.
The Indian Navy already operates two unarmed Predator drones from the Rajali air base in Tamil Nadu, contributing significantly to maritime domain awareness in countering threats like Houthi missiles and Somali Pirates in the Red Sea.
