Two MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drones to Strengthen Indian Navy Under ₹1,943 Crore Pact

dia has entered into a ₹1,943 crore agreement with US defence firm General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems for the Indian Navy. The agreement will give the Navy access to the unmanned platforms for 30 months

The leased aircraft are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) platforms designed for missions that require prolonged aerial presence. For the Indian Navy, their deployment is expected to add greater depth to maritime surveillance and reconnaissance operations, particularly across India’s large maritime area.

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is built around persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its long-endurance capability allows the aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods, enabling surveillance of distant maritime zones without requiring frequent replacement by another aircraft.

The new arrangement comes as India continues to strengthen its ability to maintain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region. Continuous monitoring of shipping activity and developments in strategically important waters has become an increasingly important requirement for the Indian Navy.

The two aircraft will provide an additional airborne surveillance resource while India’s longer-term plans for acquiring MQ-9B platforms move forward. India has already pursued a much larger MQ-9B programme covering both SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian variants for the armed forces.

The lease arrangement also builds on India’s existing operational familiarity with the MQ-9B family. Rather than waiting for a lengthy acquisition and delivery cycle, leasing provides the Navy with access to the capability for a defined period, allowing additional surveillance capacity to be introduced more quickly.

The agreement further reflects the expanding defence relationship between India and the United States in unmanned aerial systems and advanced surveillance technology. Earlier cooperation between the two countries has included India’s plans to acquire 31 MQ-9B aircraft, comprising SeaGuardian variants for the Navy and SkyGuardian variants for the Army and Air Force.

For the Indian Navy, the immediate value of the latest pact lies in expanding persistent maritime observation. The additional SeaGuardians can support long-range reconnaissance and provide commanders with another tool for maintaining a broader picture of activity across the maritime domain.

The ₹1,943 crore contract therefore represents a short-term capability enhancement alongside India’s broader effort to modernise its unmanned surveillance fleet. With the two leased MQ-9B SeaGuardians, the Navy is set to gain additional high-endurance aerial surveillance capacity for the next 30 months.