In a significant development in defense cooperation, the United States has announced plans to provide Bharat with 31 MQ-9B drones, aimed at bolstering Bharat’s maritime security and domain awareness capabilities. The sale, amounting to nearly $4 billion, marks a substantial step in enhancing Bharat’s defense capabilities, with the drones set to offer advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
According to Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, the MQ-9B drones will offer Bharat outright ownership, ensuring autonomy in utilizing these cutting-edge aircraft for security purposes. This move underscores the deepening cooperation between the US and Bharat in the realm of defense and security.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the proposed foreign military sale, indicating a strong commitment to advancing defense ties between the two nations. The MQ-9B drones, manufactured by General Atomics, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, promising to significantly enhance Bharat’s maritime security beyond its current capabilities.
This deal represents a substantial leap forward for Bharat’s defense infrastructure, with the acquisition of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones expected to result in a sixteen-fold increase in the country’s drone fleet. The advanced capabilities offered by these drones will play a crucial role in safeguarding Bharat’s maritime borders and bolstering its security posture in the region.
Furthermore, the agreement signifies broader efforts to strengthen defense ties between the United States and India. The collaboration extends beyond procurement, with plans for General Atomics to establish a comprehensive global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bharat. This move aligns with Bharat’s vision to enhance its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and promote self-reliance in defense production.
This announcement comes in the wake of previous agreements between US President Joe Biden and Bharat Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein Bharat expressed its intent to procure Predator drones from General Atomics. The joint statement emphasized the strategic significance of enhancing India’s ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities across various domains, including maritime security.
In conclusion, the acquisition of MQ-9B drones marks a significant milestone in the defense partnership between the US and Bharat, underscoring their shared commitment to regional security and stability. The deployment of these advanced drones is poised to strengthen Bharat’s defense capabilities and contribute to greater maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
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