India Signs Rs 1,943 Crore Deal for Two MQ-9B Drones to Boost Maritime Surveillance
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
India signed a Rs 1,943 crore lease agreement with General Atomics for two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to enhance maritime surveillance and air defense.
Background
India signed a contract with General Atomics for a 30-month lease of two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. The drones can fly for over 30 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet to bolster maritime domain awareness.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TMQ-9B SeaGuardian: A maritime surveillance drone capable of long-range operations.
- FactContract Value: Rs 1,943 crore for a 30-month lease period.
- FactOperational Capability: Flight duration of over 30 hours at altitudes above 40,000 feet.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the MQ-9B SeaGuardian contributes to India's maritime security and 'SAGAR' initiative in the Indian Ocean Region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enhanced maritime domain awareness
- Cost-effectiveness of leasing vs. procurement
- Technological sovereignty and dependency
Keywords: Maritime Domain Awareness · Unmanned Aerial Vehicles · Strategic Autonomy · Defense Modernization
More Science & Technology notes
- Astronomers, driven by mysteries of dark matter and energy, will use · 24 August 2026
- Space medaka fish lay 43 eggs, hatch eight in orbit during Columbia mission · 24 August 2026
- Singapore Unveils World-First Biological Data Centre with 16 Million Living Neurons · 24 August 2026
- India's Amethis Korwa Ordnance Factory Produces "Sher" Rifle with All Indian Parts · 23 August 2026
- Shekhawat Speaks on Space Tech Convergence at National Space Day 2026 · 23 August 2026
- ISRO Review: Parliament Panel Discusses Gaganyaan, Civil Aircraft at Bengaluru Trip · 23 August 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.