India seeks clarity from US on $3 bn predator drone deal

26 Aug 2021 CW Team

The media has reported that the massive purchase project would be moved to the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) for acceptance of necessity (AoN) once the US government provides all answers.

To improve their unmanned lethal long-range capabilities, the Indian armed services have been hunting for fighter-sized hunter-killer drones armed with air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs and capable of flying for nearly 40 hours at a time.

The Army, Navy, and IAF will each get ten MQ-9B or SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) with different payloads to hunt and destroy targets over land and sea, according to Medi.

However, the high cost of the government-to-government deal through the US foreign military sales (FMS) programme, which is expected to include the fast-track induction of six of the 30 drones, has caused the final contract to be delayed.

The navy is using two unarmed SeaGuardian drones that it leased from the American drone manufacturer General Atomics last November for long-range surveillance missions over the Indian Ocean Region.

India will issue an actionable LoR (letter of request) to the US government once the DAC approves the AoN for the project. After Washington responds with a letter of offer and acceptance (LoA) and notifies the US Congress, the final contract will be signed.

According to media reports, after a 15% down payment, the remaining instalments will be spread out over five to six years.

The signing of bilateral defence pacts with the United States, particularly COMCASA (Communications, Compatibility, and Security Arrangement) in 2018 and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Cooperation) in 2020, has allowed India to gain greater access to advanced military technologies via encrypted secure communications and data links.

Image Source

Also read: Indian Air Force gets advanced chaff technology developed by DRDO

Also read: Defence ministry to acquire 11 airport surveillance radars from Mahindra

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

India has sought clarity from the US on the $3 billion deal to buy 30 armed MQ-9B predator drones, which are designed for long-range precision strikes against hostile targets on land and water. India has inquired about price fixation, maintenance, and technology transfer from the US. The media has reported that the massive purchase project would be moved to the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) for acceptance of necessity (AoN) once the US government provides all answers. To improve their unmanned lethal long-range capabilities, the Indian armed services have been hunting for fighter-sized hunter-killer drones armed with air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs and capable of flying for nearly 40 hours at a time. The Army, Navy, and IAF will each get ten MQ-9B or SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) with different payloads to hunt and destroy targets over land and sea, according to Medi. However, the high cost of the government-to-government deal through the US foreign military sales (FMS) programme, which is expected to include the fast-track induction of six of the 30 drones, has caused the final contract to be delayed. The navy is using two unarmed SeaGuardian drones that it leased from the American drone manufacturer General Atomics last November for long-range surveillance missions over the Indian Ocean Region. India will issue an actionable LoR (letter of request) to the US government once the DAC approves the AoN for the project. After Washington responds with a letter of offer and acceptance (LoA) and notifies the US Congress, the final contract will be signed. According to media reports, after a 15% down payment, the remaining instalments will be spread out over five to six years. The signing of bilateral defence pacts with the United States, particularly COMCASA (Communications, Compatibility, and Security Arrangement) in 2018 and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Cooperation) in 2020, has allowed India to gain greater access to advanced military technologies via encrypted secure communications and data links. Image Source Also read: Indian Air Force gets advanced chaff technology developed by DRDO Also read: Defence ministry to acquire 11 airport surveillance radars from Mahindra

Infrastructure Urban

02 Jun 2026

VECV Sales Rise 7.8 Per Cent In May 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles recorded sales of 7,978 units in May 2026, compared to 7,401 units in May 2025, registering growth of 7.8 per cent. This included 7,789 units from the Eicher brand and 189 units from the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,789 units during the month, up 7.3 per cent from 7,258 units a year earlier. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 9.1 per cent to 7,375 units from 6,758 units in May 2025.Exports declined 17.2 per cent to 414 units from 500 units in the corresponding month last year. Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses recor..

Infrastructure Urban

02 Jun 2026

Table Space Strengthens DESYN Leadership Team

Table Space has announced strategic leadership appointments within DESYN, its integrated Design and Build business, as it looks to strengthen operations across key enterprise and GCC markets in India. DESYN was launched as a strategic extension of Table Space’s workspace solutions portfolio to meet rising demand for agile, high-quality and rapidly deployable enterprise workspaces.Shruti Ookabhoy has joined DESYN as Executive Director and will lead the Design vertical, focusing on design capability, operational excellence and team development across markets. She brings over 22 years of experi..

Infrastructure Transport

02 Jun 2026

Concord Associate Bags Rs 2.79 Bn Kavach Order

Concord Control Systems said its associate company, Progota India, has received a Rs 2.79 bn domestic order from Indian Railways for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of on-board Kavach 4.0 loco equipment.The order is scheduled for execution within 12 months and strengthens Concord’s role in India’s railway safety and signalling ecosystem. Kavach is India’s indigenous automatic train protection system, designed to improve operational safety by helping prevent signal passing at danger and reducing collision risks.Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Syst..