The US will sell MQ 9B drones to India in stages, and phase II will see the purchase of armaments

During PM Modi’s visit to the US, the $3 billion procurement through government-to-government or US foreign military sales would be approved.People with knowledge of the situation said that India will purchase 31 high altitude long endurance (HALE) drones from the US in phases, with the first batch of 10 drones being unarmed. Three tri-service intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance command centres will also be established, one in the south and two in the north, with a focus on India’s northern borders, particularly the one with China.

On June 15, a tri-service proposal to purchase 31 drones, including 15 MQ9B Sea Guardian and 16 Sky Guardian drones from the US, was authorised by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. While the Sky Guardian drones will be deployed to protect the land borders, the Sea Guardian drones will be in charge of maritime domain awareness and surveillance. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US this week, the $3 billion purchase will be approved through government-to-government or US foreign military sales.

While bilateral relations between India and the US are about to take an orbital leap, the first shipment of drones will only contain 10 units, with armaments and missiles to follow later. According to the persons familiar with the situation, all drones will have hardpoints or the ability to carry missiles and laser guided bombs.The Narendra Modi administration won’t buy all the drones and weaponry off the shelf; instead, the agreement will include a localization component that will allow drones to be equipped with Indian-made munitions.