India Signs $3 Billion Deal for MQ-9B Predator Drones with United States
India has finalized a $3 billion deal with the United States to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator (SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian) drones.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India signed a $3 billion deal with the US for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones (15 SeaGuardian for Navy, 16 SkyGuardian for Army/Air Force).
- The MQ-9B drones are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs capable of over 35 hours of flight time.
- The drones will enhance India's maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region and border monitoring along the LAC.
- General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
- The deal supports India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives by fostering indigenous defence capabilities.
- This acquisition strengthens the strategic defence partnership between India and the United States.
- The MQ-9B drones are designed for multi-mission roles including reconnaissance and precision strikes.
- The US State Department approved the potential sale in February 2020.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 4–8 | UPSC focuses on strategic aspects: defence policy, Indo-Pacific, border issues, and bilateral defence deals. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | Defence acquisitions, military exercises, and appointments appear in SSC GK. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Low | 1–2 | Rarely tested in banking exams. |
Key Facts to Remember: India Signs $3 Billion Deal for MQ-9B Predator Drones with United States
- India signed a $3 billion deal with the US for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones (15 SeaGuardian for Navy, 16 SkyGuardian for Army/Air Force).
- The MQ-9B drones are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs capable of over 35 hours of flight time.
- The drones will enhance India's maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region and border monitoring along the LAC.
- General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
- The deal supports India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives by fostering indigenous defence capabilities.
- This acquisition strengthens the strategic defence partnership between India and the United States.
- The MQ-9B drones are designed for multi-mission roles including reconnaissance and precision strikes.
- The US State Department approved the potential sale in February 2020.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the approximate total value of the deal signed between India and the United States for the MQ-9B Predator drones?
- $1 billion
- $2 billion
- $3 billion
- $4 billion
Explanation: India has finalized a deal worth approximately $3 billion with the United States for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones.
Q2. How many MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones are designated for the Indian Navy under this agreement?
- 10
- 15
- 16
- 31
Explanation: The agreement includes 15 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones specifically for the Indian Navy, aimed at enhancing its maritime surveillance capabilities.
Q3. Which US company is the manufacturer of the MQ-9B Predator drones and will establish the MRO facility in India?
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- Raytheon Technologies
- General Atomics
Explanation: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is the manufacturer of the MQ-9B Predator drones and will be responsible for setting up the Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
Q4. What is a key feature of the MQ-9B Predator drones in terms of their operational endurance?
- Capable of staying airborne for over 12 hours
- Capable of staying airborne for over 24 hours
- Capable of staying airborne for over 35 hours
- Capable of staying airborne for over 48 hours
Explanation: The MQ-9B drones are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs, characterized by their ability to remain airborne for extended periods, specifically over 35 hours.
Q5. The establishment of a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India as part of this deal primarily supports which of the following initiatives?
- Digital India
- Skill India
- Make in India
- Startup India
Explanation: The MRO facility, to be set up by General Atomics, is a significant component of the deal that directly supports the 'Make in India' initiative, fostering indigenous defence manufacturing and maintenance capabilities.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams — India Signs $3 Billion Deal for MQ-9B Predator Dr…
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Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
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