New Delhi, which has been eyeing the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for the Indian Navy, is now at the "advanced stage" of talks with Washington DC for the procurement of 30 of these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The RPA's maker– General Atomics, offers the MQ-9B in two variants: the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The government to-government purchase, estimated to be worth $3 billion, is likely to bolster India's surveillance capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The deal has long evaded finalisation. A highly placed source from the United States, knowledgeable about the developments surrounding the deal, told this writer that the problem with that sale has always been (and continues to be) some rather fierce opposition in the US Senate. It is possible that that could change, but the opponents are not keen on selling drones that can carry outside North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)+5 ((Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and South Korea).
The Arms Export Control Act effectively gives the Senate Foreign Relations Committee veto power over any arms deal. The committee has been violently opposed to armed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) sales.
The source mentioned that the committee made an exception for NATO+5. However, that was supposed to be the only one. It is interesting to note that the State Department and the Department of Defense (DOD) approved sales of MQ-9Bs to India and the United Arab Emirates. Those deals still require approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the course of action the committee will take remains unclear.
Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
