India signs deal with US to procure 31 predator drones

NEW DELHI

India will procure 31 predator drones from the US, according to the country’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday.

The officials inked the contract with the US side for procurement of 31 MQ-9B sky/sea guardian high altitude long endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft system (RPA), the ministry said on X.

Local broadcaster NDTV reported that the total cost of the deal is likely to be under $3.5 billion and the drones will be allotted to all three services including the navy, air force as well as military.

The ministry also said they also signed a contract with General Atomics Global India for these RPAs through depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul in India.

The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in Delhi, India’s capital territory.