U.S. Touts MQ-9B Drone Sale to India for Enhanced Maritime Security
The United States has lauded the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India, emphasizing its role in bolstering India’s maritime security and domain awareness capabilities. The sale, valued at nearly $4 billion, is set to provide India with outright ownership of these advanced aircraft, enhancing its ability to address present and future threats through unmanned surveillance in vital sea lanes.
State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel underscored the significance of the sale, stating that it offers India full control over these aircraft while deepening cooperation between the two nations. The deal, announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in June 2023, includes 15 SeaGuardian drones for the Navy and eight SkyGuardian drones each for the Army and Air Force.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency highlighted that the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, contributing to the strengthening of the strategic relationship between the two countries.
