INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA
SP’s Aviation|Issue 9, 2024
General Atomics Predator Drones represents a pivotal asset for India's defence capabilities, particularly in enhancing ISR and strike capabilities
MANISH KUMAR JHA
INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA

IN A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MILITARY modernisation plan, India and the United States formally inked a deal worth ₹34,500 crore to acquire 31 Predator drones for the Indian armed forces. As per the terms of the negotiations, General Atomics which manufactures the Predator drones will also facilitate in setting up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The MRO will be primarily for the Predator’s upkeep, maintenance and parts. GA has already collaborated with the Indian defence entity, Bharat Forge for the components and a maintenance hub for drones in India.

The General Atomics MQ-9B represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. Designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions, the MQ-9B is characterised by its stealth capabilities, long endurance, and versatility. As India explores the acquisition of such advanced UAVs, the establishment of an efficient Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure is crucial to ensuring operational readiness and longevity.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), on June 15, 2023, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for Tri-Services from the USA through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. The AON included the number of UAVs to be procured along with associated equipment.

Further, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) also approved the acquisition of 31 drones last week. Out of 31 drones, India will receive 15 Predators, while the Air Force and the Army will each receive 8. There are already two drones on lease by the Indian Navy. As reported, there will be possibilities of adding combat capability by integrating air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles.

OVERVIEW OF MQ-9B PREDATOR

Esta historia es de la edición Issue 9, 2024 de SP’s Aviation.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Issue 9, 2024 de SP’s Aviation.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE SP’S AVIATIONVer todo
KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!
SP’s Aviation

KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!

In 1930, KLM began scheduled passenger service between Amsterdam and Jakarta. The Fokker F.XII plane took 10 days to reach, including 81 hours of flying time. It was the world's longest scheduled flight before the Second World War.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES
SP’s Aviation

SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES

SpiceJet has successfully resolved a significant dispute with Bombardier over a fleet of Q400 turboprop planes in the form of a $90 million settlement, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that also has broader implications for the Indian aviation sector

time-read
5 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS
SP’s Aviation

TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS

Seaplane services are expected to transform regional connectivity in India, boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal and inland regions

time-read
9 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING
SP’s Aviation

FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING

The business aircraft financing market has witnessed significant growth post-pandemic, driven by increased demand for private and chartered flights

time-read
6 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA
SP’s Aviation

TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA

For India, one of the most significant aspects of Trump's return will be his approach to China. There is a possibility that Trump will continue to view India through a transactional lens, prioritising trade deficits and economic returns. The role which the US plays as the global tech powerhouse is the model for future growth which cuts across economy to security. In all potential, there are mostly positive signs, rather another defining era for Indo-US relations could unfold if indicators are right. The convergence of mutual interest for both democracies is too obvious.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024
SP’s Aviation

ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024

The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations

time-read
4 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED
SP’s Aviation

INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED

Symbolising growing technology, growth & collaboration, this mission highlights India's dedication to leveraging space technology for societal progress, expanding its role in commercial space ventures while underscoring the potential for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles to capture future opportunities

time-read
5 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES
SP’s Aviation

A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES

With a vision for comfort, excellence and sustainable aviation, Dassault's Falcon family embodies the peak of technological and environmental advancements

time-read
8 minutos  |
Issue 11, 2024
INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ
SP’s Aviation

INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ

Private jets play a strategic role in allowing business magnates like Ambani to optimise time management, particularly critical given his global business commitments and a packed travel schedule.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Issue 10, 2024
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT
SP’s Aviation

PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 10, 2024