India Leases Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones From US Firm in ₹1,943 Crore Agreement
The Ministry of Defence has entered into an agreement with American defence firm General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude long-endurance remotely-piloted aircraft for the Indian Navy. The contract carries an estimated value of ₹1,943 crore and spans an operational lease period of 30 months.
What Happened
According to an announcement by the defence ministry, the agreement was concluded in the presence of the additional secretary and director general (acquisition) from the Department of Defence. Under the terms of this deal, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will provide two MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aircraft systems to the Indian Navy. This transaction expands the Navy’s current fleet, as it already operates two previously leased Sea Guardian drones obtained a few years ago.
Key Highlights
- Agreement Scope: Lease of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft.
- Total Value: Approximately ₹1,943 crore.
- Duration: The signed lease contract covers a operational tenure of 30 months.
- Vendor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a United States-based defence manufacturer.
- Technical Capabilities: Remotely-piloted platforms outfitted with sophisticated payloads, advanced operating systems, and high-tier sensors.
- Existing Fleet: Two Sea Guardian drones are already in active service with the Indian Navy following an earlier lease.
Why This Matters
The acquisition directly supports the Indian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements. According to the defence ministry, these remotely-piloted aircraft will enhance maritime domain awareness capabilities across vast areas. Equipped with specialised payloads and sensors, the systems will deliver persistent surveillance coverage, boosting the armed forces’ capacity to observe and address maritime developments within the Indian Ocean Region.
What to Watch Next
The leased systems will be integrated into Indian Navy operations for the specified 30-month duration to carry out intelligence and surveillance duties across the Indian Ocean Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company is supplying the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones?
The drones are being leased from American defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
What is the financial cost and duration of the lease?
The contract is valued at approximately ₹1,943 crore for a duration of 30 months.
Does the Indian Navy already have Sea Guardian drones?
Yes, the Indian Navy currently operates two Sea Guardian drones that were secured through a lease agreement a few years ago.
What specific role will these aircraft serve?
The aircraft are designated to carry out persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over the maritime domain to enhance monitoring across the Indian Ocean Region.
Source: Reporting based on an official announcement covered by Business Standard.