US Congress approves sale of Predator drones to India
- In Reports
- 12:40 PM, Feb 01, 2024
- Myind Staff
The US State Department has officially communicated to General Atomics, the manufacturer of Predator Drones, that the US Congress has granted approval for the 'tiered review' process concerning the sale of 31 MQ9B drones to India. The State Department has indicated that the official notification to Congress will be submitted within the next 24 hours.
General Atomics has relayed this information to the highest echelons of the Modi government, including key figures in the national security establishment. This development marks a significant step forward in the proposed sale of advanced drone technology to India.
Although the Narendra Modi government has not officially disclosed details of the deal, sources in Washington have affirmed that the formal notification for the sale of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones to India is expected to be issued later in the day.
According to the information available, out of the total drones the Indian Navy is slated to receive 15, while the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will each be allocated eight high-altitude, long-endurance drones from the United States. This development underscores a strategic enhancement in India's defense capabilities with the acquisition of advanced drone technology.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller officially stated, "Generally, the US-India Defence Partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade. The drone deal is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit last year. We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region. Congress plays an important role in the US arms transfer process. We routinely consult with the members of Congress on the Foreign Affairs Committees before our formal notification so we can address questions that they might have."
The GE-414 engine deal with the US alongside the MQ-9B Predator drone sale is reportedly progressing well with the CEO of the company conveying this information to the highest levels of the Modi government. Both deals involving drones and aircraft engines are being managed by the national security advisors of India and the US.
The Indian Navy, having already deployed two unarmed Predator drones leased from the US at the Rajali air base in Tamil Nadu, has significantly enhanced its maritime domain awareness. These drones play a crucial role in monitoring activities in the Red Sea, addressing challenges such as Houthi missiles and countering Somali Pirates.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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