Indian Navy Receives Replacement for Crashed MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drone from US

New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – The Indian Navy has received a replacement for its MQ-9B Sea Guardian drone from US-based manufacturer General Atomics, months after one of the high-altitude surveillance platforms crashed into the Bay of Bengal, sources confirmed on Sunday.

The drone was part of two MQ-9B aircraft leased by the Indian Navy, one of which was lost in a "controlled ditching" at sea due to a technical snag in mid-September 2023. Under the contractual agreement, General Atomics has now provided a replacement for the lost drone.

Capabilities of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian​

The MQ-9B drones, known for their endurance and strike capabilities, can stay airborne for over 35 hours. They are armed with four Hellfire missiles and can carry up to 450 kg of bombs, making them a formidable asset for maritime surveillance and strike operations.

India's Growing Drone Fleet: $4 Billion Deal with the US​

In October 2023, India signed a landmark $4 billion agreement with the US to procure 31 Predator drones from General Atomics, aimed at strengthening military surveillance along sensitive borders, particularly with China.

As per the deal:

• The Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones.
• The Indian Air Force and Army will each get eight Sky Guardian drones.
• Delivery is set to begin in January 2029.

Major Defence Deals Nearing Finalization​

Apart from the drone procurement, two major defense deals are expected to be finalized by March 31, 2025:

1. Purchase of 26 Rafale-M jets from France for deployment on INS Vikrant.
2. Procurement of three additional Scorpene-class submarines, also from France.

Both deals, approved by the Indian Ministry of Defence in July 2023, are in the final stages and will be executed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).

Push for Another Indigenous Aircraft Carrier​

With India currently operating two aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant—the Navy is advocating for another indigenously-built carrier to replace INS Vikramaditya, which has an estimated operational lifespan of another decade.

INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, was commissioned in September 2023 at a cost of ₹23,000 crore. The warship is equipped with an advanced air defense system, anti-ship missiles, and can house up to 30 fighter jets and helicopters.

As India strengthens its naval and aerial defense capabilities, these strategic acquisitions are set to play a crucial role in securing its maritime interests and enhancing operational readiness.