India signs ₹1,943-crore deal for U.S. drones to boost maritime security in Indo-Pacific
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
India signed a ₹1,943-crore deal with the U.S.-based GA-ASI to lease MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Background
The Union Ministry of Defence signed the contract on August 17, 2026, for a 30-month lease of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE remotely piloted aircraft systems. The deal aims to boost maritime domain awareness and intelligence capabilities for the Indian Navy.
Facts for Prelims
- FactContract value: ₹1,943 crore
- S&TMQ-9B Sea Guardian: A High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft system
- PostUnion Ministry of Defence: Responsible for procurement and leasing of defense equipment
- FactLease duration: 30 months
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the acquisition of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) contributes to India's maritime security and its strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Strategic partnership with the U.S.
- Technological self-reliance vs. leasing
- Indo-Pacific security architecture
Keywords: Maritime Domain Awareness · Strategic Autonomy · Indo-Pacific · Defense Procurement · Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconna…
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