Washington witnessed a significant development in Indo-U.S. strategic relations with the U.S. Congress being formally notified on February 1, regarding the potential sale of 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to India, an arms deal valued at approximately $3.99 billion. The sale, which has faced scrutiny due to the Pannun episode, includes a package complete with 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, training missiles, Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and other related equipment.
As India seeks to advance its security in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia, this military acquisition will not only reinforce ties with the United States but also improve its surveillance capabilities. The MQ-9Bs, designed for exceptional endurance at high altitudes, are expected to work in conjunction with the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance the Indian Navy’s oversight over the Indian Ocean Region. This proposed sale will require India and the U.S. to conclude with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA), following a 30-day review period by Congress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talk with President Joe Biden at the G20 summit paved the way for the Letter of Request to the U.S. Government. After almost six years of negotiation, the finalization coincides with the refurbishing of India’s military. The MQ-9B drones, known as Predators, carry robust surveillance technology capable of reconnaissance and offensive missions globally and can remain airborne for over 40 hours. With endorsement from the U.S., the drones are set to be distributed among the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force, with additional expectations of deployment along critical national defense regions.