India Signs Deal for 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drones with USA
India has finalized a multi-billion dollar deal with the United States to procure 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India procures 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the USA for approximately $3.5 billion.
- The fleet will be distributed with 15 for the Navy, 8 for the Army, and 8 for the Air Force.
- MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
- The drones enhance India's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities along borders and in the Indian Ocean Region.
- General Atomics will establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
- This deal supports India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative for defense self-reliance.
- The procurement signifies a deepening of the strategic Indo-US defense partnership.
- The drones can remain airborne for over 35 hours and are capable of carrying precision-guided munitions.
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. |
Key Facts to Remember: India Signs Deal for 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drones with USA
- India procures 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the USA for approximately $3.5 billion.
- The fleet will be distributed with 15 for the Navy, 8 for the Army, and 8 for the Air Force.
- MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
- The drones enhance India's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities along borders and in the Indian Ocean Region.
- General Atomics will establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
- This deal supports India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative for defense self-reliance.
- The procurement signifies a deepening of the strategic Indo-US defense partnership.
- The drones can remain airborne for over 35 hours and are capable of carrying precision-guided munitions.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the total number of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones India is set to procure from the United States?
- 21
- 31
- 41
- 51
Explanation: India has finalized a deal to procure a total of 31 advanced MQ-9B SkyGuardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from the United States. This acquisition is a significant step in bolstering India's defense capabilities.
Q2. Which Indian military branch will receive the largest share of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones?
- Indian Army
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Navy
- All branches will receive an equal number
Explanation: The procurement agreement allocates 15 drones to the Indian Navy, making it the largest recipient among the three branches. The Indian Army and Indian Air Force will each receive 8 drones.
Q3. What is the estimated value of the deal for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones?
- $1.5 billion
- $2.5 billion
- $3.5 billion
- $4.5 billion
Explanation: The comprehensive deal for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones is valued at approximately $3.5 billion. This figure includes the drones, support, training, and establishment of maintenance facilities.
Q4. What significant initiative does the establishment of a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India support?
- Make in India
- Digital India
- Skill India
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
Explanation: The establishment of the MRO facility by General Atomics directly supports the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, particularly in enhancing indigenous capabilities for defense maintenance and reducing reliance on foreign support.
Q5. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is classified as which type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)?
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE)
- High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE)
- Low Altitude Long Endurance (LALE)
- Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TUAS)
Explanation: The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is specifically designed as a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV. This classification highlights its capability to operate at high altitudes for extended periods, making it ideal for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams — India Signs Deal for 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drones…
For every military exercise, note: India + Partner country + Purpose (bilateral or multilateral). Questions are pattern-based.
Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
Chiefs of defence services change periodically. Always keep the current CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Chief up to date.
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