New Delhi: The Indian Government is set to ink a Rs 34,500 crore deal with the US Government to acquire MQ9B drones for the armed forces. Under the pact, the Indian armed forces will acquire 31 long-range drones, which will eventually be distributed between the army, airforce, and navy. These long-range drones will be armed and will be an addition to the set of 2 drones already on lease by the Indian Navy.
According to the official sources, two separate deals will be signed, wherein one will be for the maintenance and repair of drones and the other one will be for acquisition. General Atomics, the US manufacturer of MQ9B drones, already has a tie-up with Bharat Forge to make UAV components and establish a drone maintenance hub in India.
Additionally, under the current deal, General Atomics will now also provide consultancy assistance for an Indian program to make combat drones. This aligns with India’s commitment to give a boost to domestic manufacturing of unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
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