New Delhi: India's surveillance in the Indian Ocean will be strengthened. The Defense Ministry has signed an agreement with American company General Atomics to lease 2 MQ-9B 'Sea Guardian' drones for 30 months. The price of this deal is around Rs 1943 crore.
Deal worth Rs 1943 crore, already have 2 drones
On Monday, Additional Secretary of Defense Department and DG Acquisition A. This contract was signed in the presence of Anbarasu. The Navy already has 2 'Sea Guardian' drones, which were taken on lease a few years ago. Now with the addition of 2 more, the maritime surveillance capacity will double.
The Defense Ministry says that these drones are equipped with advanced sensors and modern payloads. With their help, 24×7 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage will be available in the vast maritime area. This will strengthen India's vision and hold on every activity taking place in the Indian Ocean region.
How dangerous is the MQ-9B 'Sea Guardian'?
The MQ-9B made by General Atomics is a High-Altitude Long-Endurance i.e. HALE drone. It has 2 variants – 'Sea Guardian' for sea and 'Sky Guardian' for land.
Features of this 'Baahubali' drone:
- Altitude and flight: Can fly up to 50,000 feet and stay in the air for 27 hours continuously.
- Range and Speed: Its range is 1900 kilometers and maximum speed is 300 miles per hour.
- Payload Capacity: Ground crew of 2 handles it. It can lift more than 1700 kg weight. Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs can also be installed in it.
Eyes from Indian Ocean to LAC
Mainly MQ-9B is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. For the Navy, 'Sea Guardian' will keep an eye on every movement of enemy ships in the Indian Ocean and help in maritime operations.
The Army and Air Force can use them for long-range surveillance on the borders of China and Pakistan. The biggest thing is that this drone can carry out precise attacks without putting any pilot in danger. Therefore, it is considered very important for India's national security.
Arrangements till 2029
India has also signed a big agreement to purchase MQ-9B drone in 2024, which will be delivered by 2029. Till then, these 2 additional drones taken on lease will ensure that there is no gap in surveillance. From sea to border, India's eyes will become even sharper with the arrival of MQ-9B.