Mega Drone Deal Enhances Maritime Security For India, U.S. Collaboration

The US has said that its relationship with India is one of the most important ones. As a result, it wants to sell 31 armed drones to New Delhi for about USD 4 billion. This will help the country’s marine security.

The US agreed on Thursday to sell 31 armed MQ-9B drones to India for an estimated USD 3.99 billion. This purchase will make India better prepared to deal with current and future threats by allowing unmanned surveillance and observation patrols in operational sea lanes.

“I think our relationship with India is one of the most important ones we have.” Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the State Department, told reporters at his daily news conference, “We work closely with India on our most important priorities.”

Miller said, “I cannot give you a timeline” when asked about the next steps in the mega drone deal and how important they were. Notifying Congress was the first thing that was done today. Together with the Indian government, we will talk about the exact release date over the next few months. India will get 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs as part of the deal. The Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, and the Army and Indian Air Force will each get eight SkyGuardian drones for use on land.

“I will talk about the deal itself: the sale of 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft for USD 3.99 billion (almost $4 billion) will give India better maritime security and domain awareness,” he said.

According to him, it gives India full ownership and sixteen times as many planes as they currently hire, which are two MQ-9A planes.

Miller said, “We have had a close working relationship with the (outgoing Indian) ambassador (Taranjit Singh Sandhu).” when asked about his time in office. He said that the US and India have been able to work together on a number of issues that are important to both countries. For example, Miller said that India plays a key role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is linked, prosperous, safe, and strong.

This month, Sandhu, who is 61 years old, will retire from the foreign service after 35 years of work.

“We wish him luck in his future plans and can’t wait to meet his replacement,” he said.

In answer to a different question, Miller said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken works closely with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar and that they can talk about some of the most important and pressing issues.

“It is clear that the secretary has been to India more than once to meet with the foreign minister.” He made him feel welcome here. “They met in New York, just outside of the UN General Assembly,” Miller said.