India signs $203 million drone lease deal with General Atomics
NEW DELHI: India said on Monday that it had signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude long-endurance drones for the Indian Navy for a period of 30 months at a cost of 19.43 billion rupees ($203 million). The deal will “significantly enhance” the Indian Navy’s maritime domain awareness capabilities and strengthen “ability to monitor…
India has signed a $203 million contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy, according to a statement from the government. The 30-month lease will enhance the navy's maritime domain awareness and strengthen its ability to monitor and respond to developments in the Indian Ocean Region, a region of strategic importance due to the ongoing strategic tussle for influence between India and China.
This deal builds upon India's previous agreements with the U.S. and the UAE, demonstrating the country's increasing interest in acquiring advanced, armed drones.
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