India-USA Predator Drone Deal: Final Delivery Timeline
India and the USA have finalized the delivery timeline for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones to enhance surveillance capabilities.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India will acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones (SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian variants) from the USA.
- The deal includes setting up a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India by General Atomics.
- These High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) drones will enhance India's surveillance and strike capabilities.
- The drones will be deployed across the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.
- The estimated cost of the deal is approximately $3 billion USD.
- The US State Department approved the deal in February 2023.
- This procurement strengthens the India-US strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
- The deal aligns with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives for defence manufacturing.
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-USA Predator Drone Deal: Final Delivery Timeline
- India will acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones (SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian variants) from the USA.
- The deal includes setting up a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India by General Atomics.
- These High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) drones will enhance India's surveillance and strike capabilities.
- The drones will be deployed across the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.
- The estimated cost of the deal is approximately $3 billion USD.
- The US State Department approved the deal in February 2023.
- This procurement strengthens the India-US strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
- The deal aligns with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives for defence manufacturing.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the total number of MQ-9B Predator drones India is acquiring from the USA?
- 25
- 31
- 40
- 45
Explanation: India is acquiring a total of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones as part of a significant defence deal with the United States. These drones will bolster India's aerial surveillance and strike capabilities.
Q2. Which US company is responsible for setting up the Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India as part of the drone deal?
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- General Atomics
- Raytheon Technologies
Explanation: General Atomics, the manufacturer of the MQ-9B Predator drones, will establish a comprehensive Global MRO facility in India. This is a key component of the deal aimed at enhancing indigenous defence capabilities.
Q3. The MQ-9B Predator drones are classified as which type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)?
- Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE)
- High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE)
- Low-Altitude Short-Endurance (LASE)
- Tactical Reconnaissance UAV
Explanation: The MQ-9B Predator drones are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs. This classification highlights their capability to operate at high altitudes for extended periods, providing persistent surveillance.
Q4. Which of the following Indian defence forces will NOT be operating the newly acquired MQ-9B Predator drones?
- Indian Navy
- Indian Army
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Coast Guard
Explanation: The 31 MQ-9B Predator drones will be distributed among the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force. The Indian Coast Guard is not listed as a direct operator of these specific drones in this deal.
Q5. What is the approximate estimated cost of the India-USA deal for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones?
- $1 billion USD
- $2 billion USD
- $3 billion USD
- $4 billion USD
Explanation: The estimated cost of the deal for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones by India from the USA is approximately $3 billion USD. This figure covers the drones, associated equipment, and support services.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams — India-USA Predator Drone Deal: Final Delivery Tim…
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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