India US Drone Deal: MQ-9B Drones (UAV)

GS Paper III Defense Technology

Context:

The US State Department has approved the sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India under the foreign military sales program.

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India US Drone Deal covers the proposed sale of 31 Sky Guardian drones and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion.
As part of the deal, India will receive a weapon package that includes 170 Hellfire Missiles, 310 GBU39 laser Small Diameter Bombs, and various other equipment.

What Are UAVs ?

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft that do not require a human pilot onboard.
- They are used for a variety of purposes, including surveillance, search-and-rescue, delivery/transportation of goods, and military applications.
- UAVs can be small planes with fixed-wing or rotary-wing, balloons, or drones.
- They can communicate among themselves or with ground stations using air-to-ground (A2G), ground-to-air (G2A), air-to-air (A2A), and ground-to-ground (G2G) communication.

Improved Border Surveillance: Provides round-the-clock surveillance capabilities. Monitors movement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China..
Contribution to Counterterrorism: Supportive role in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in regions like Kashmir affected by militancy.
Enhanced Maritime Surveillance: SeaGuardian variant designed for maritime missions, will enhance the Indian Navy’s surveillance and maritime security capabilities.
Seamless Integration with Existing Platforms: Integrates seamlessly with other U.S.-origin platforms operated by India. Enables coordinated operations with platforms like P-8I, AH-64 Apache, and MH-60R multi-role helicopters.
Cost-Effective Solution: Provides approximately 80% capability of large human-flown maritime patrol aircraft at 20% of its cost per hour. Saves time, costs, and reduces wear and tear on manned platforms.
Reduced Personnel Fatigue: The utilization of MQ-9B drones contributes to lowered crew fatigue among armed forces personnel, optimizing operational efficiency.

MQ-9B Drones are derivatives of the MQ-9 Reaper designed for both remotely controlled and autonomous flight operations.
It is a high-altitude, long-endurance drone equipped with precision strike missiles.
Developed by: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).
Two variants — The SkyGuardian and its maritime counterpart, the SeaGuardian.
- Since 2020, the Indian Navy has been actively utilizing the MQ-9B Sea Guardian.

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Payload capacity of 5,670 kg and a Fuel capacity of 2,721 kg.
Operating Altitude & Endurance Range : over 40,000 feet altitude, maximum endurance of 40 hours,making it an ideal platform for extended surveillance missions.
Versatile Operational Capabilities:
- It demonstrates all-weather capabilities, conducting over-the-horizon flights via satellite for up to 40 hours, regardless of weather conditions.
- It can safely integrate into civil airspace, facilitating joint forces & civil authorities in delivering real-time situational awareness across the maritime domain, regardless of day or night conditions.
- land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike operations, electronic warfare, and expeditionary roles.
- Distinguishing attributes is its capability for automatic take-offs and landings, enhancing operational efficiency.
- The MQ-9B drones can provide roughly 80% of the capability of a large human-flown maritime patrol aircraft at about 20% of its cost per hour.

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News Source: The Hindu

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