Insta
US Approves Sale Of 22 Maritime Predator Drones To India Ahead Of Prime Minister Modi’s Visit
CBP’s maritime variant called Guardian. (Wikipedia)
In a surprise move on Thursday, the United states gave its approval for the sale of 22 MQ-9B maritime Predator drones to India, the Press Trust of India has reported. This development came just days after Reuters reported that the Indian government was looking to finalise the purchase of these drones for the Indian Navy when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets US President Donald Trump for the first time.
If the Indian Navy gets these unarmed surveillance drones, it would be the first such purchase by a country that is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. These drones have been developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems at a cost of $11.8 billion. The purchase of the 22 unarmed drones will reportedly cost the Indian government more than $2 billion.
The Indian Navy wants these drones to keep watch over the Indian Ocean. The region has seen increased Chinese activity, including the deployment of submarines by the People’s Liberation Army Navy. With a range of more than 1,800 km, MQ-9B’s will provide the Indian Navy sufficient coverage over the region.
The deal is being seen in New Delhi as a key test of defense ties that flourished under former President Barack Obama but had not taken off under the new administration, which has remained embroiled in combating multiple internal controversies.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
