India to spend $3bn to buy 31 MQ-9B drones in SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian variants for surveillance of China and Pakistan

The Indian government has approved the purchase of more than three dozen MQ-9B drones in two versions. The US State Department approved the potential deal two years ago.

Here's What We Know

India is ready to spend $3 billion to buy 31 MQ-9B drones in two variants. Both are reconnaissance drones. Thus, the deal involves ordering 15 MQ-9B SeaGuardian and 16 MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

US-based General Atomics will supply the drones in waves. India will get 10 drones in the first phase. They will be used for maritime surveillance as well as aerial monitoring of the India-China-India-Pakistan border.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Washington in a few days. The purchase of MQ-9B drones is expected to be officially announced during his meeting with US President Joe Biden.

Source: The Hindustan Times