US Approves $4 Billion Military Drone Sale to India

February 8, 2024

The US government has approved a major military sale to India valued at nearly $4 billion. The sale would include 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and related sophisticated equipment.

Details of Drone Capabilities

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a weapons-ready drone designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and strike missions. Key capabilities include:

Multi-purpose warhead to destroy various land and sea targets
Laser designation for precision strikes
Surveillance sensors for intelligence gathering
Capacity to carry missiles and laser-guided bombs

The deal also includes over 300 laser-guided Hellfire missiles and small diameter bombs, allowing the drones to conduct lethal attacks. Advanced targeting and communications systems round out the package.

Sensitive TechnologyInvolved

The drones contain sensitive hardware, software and communications equipment. If obtained by adversaries, the technology could be used to develop countermeasures against the drones or aid in building similar systems.

The US has determined India can adequately protect the sensitive systems. Some specifics are classified at the highest levels due to national security concerns.

Support of US Foreign Policy Goals

The State Department asserts the sale furthers US foreign policy and national security goals. Providing India with advanced defense capabilities aligns with US interests in the region.

The sale aims to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership and support India’s contributions as a regional security provider. It also promotes greater interoperability between the US and Indian armed forces.

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