In what marks a pivotal moment for Bharat’s defense sector, the US State Department has informed that 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones are set to be delivered to Bharat soon, an official notification regarding which will be sent within 24 hours. The drone manufacturing company has already informed the developments of the deal to the Bharatiya government.
Out of the 31 drones, the Indian Navy will receive 15, while the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the high-altitude, long-endurance drones. It is pertinent to mention here that the deal got approval in June 2023, a week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic state visit to the United States. After the official confirmation, the deal will proceed to the next stage of price negotiations.
However, left-lobbies including various social media handles and well-known news portals like ‘The Wire’ have been spreading false narratives to the extent that they’ve gone on record saying “US Blocked $3-Billion Drone Sale to India Until ‘Meaningful Investigation’ of Pannun Assassination Conspiracy”.
Even though the US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller in an official statement, revealed that the US-Bharat drone deal holds ‘significant potential’ for strategic technology cooperation, the lobbies haven’t shied away from demeaning the country itself.
While praising the US-Bharat Defense partnership, Miller stated that it has seen significant growth during the past decade. He outrightly rejected the rumors on “blockage of the deal”, Miller said that since Congress plays an essential role in the US arms transfer process, he cannot comment on it.
While some have called out the Government for being tight-lipped on the matter, the ‘confidential’ GE-414 engine deal is not only approved but both sides of the Government are well-informed on its developments. The drone deal as well as the aircraft engine deal are being handled and observed closely by national the security advisors of Bharat and the US.
Meanwhile, Bharat is already operating two unarmed Predator drones procured on lease by the US, which have leveled up Bharat’s maritime awareness. In the recent, the two Predator drones have helped the Indian Navy to deter the attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants and tackle Somali Pirates in the Red Sea.
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