New Delhi, 30 December. India has approved the lease of two additional MQ-9 unmanned drones for the Indian Navy. The decision was taken by the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This move is seen as a significant step in India-US defence cooperation.
The MQ-9 drones are manufactured by the US-based General Atomics and are considered among the world’s most capable high-altitude, long-endurance drone systems. Defence experts state that these drones are highly effective for long-duration flights, extended surveillance, and providing real-time intelligence.
India initially leased two MQ-9 drones in 2020. Over the past five years, these drones have significantly enhanced the Indian Navy and security agencies’ ability to monitor maritime zones and border areas. With the addition of two more drones, India’s maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean region and sensitive sea routes is expected to strengthen further.
This decision comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have identified defence cooperation as a key pillar of the India-US strategic partnership. Defence ties between the two nations continue to deepen, with special emphasis on advanced technologies and interoperability.
The role of noted aerospace scientist Vivek Lal, of Indian origin residing in the US, is seen as important in advancing this defence cooperation. Vivek Lal, CEO of General Atomics Global Corporation, has been actively promoting India-US defence trade and industrial collaboration for over two decades. His efforts have helped India gain access to critical American defence technologies and strengthened mutual trust between the countries.
While serving as a senior executive at Lockheed Martin, Vivek Lal also played a key role in finalising the deal for 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters for the Indian Navy. This deal was a major defence agreement during President Trump’s first term visit to India.
Vivek Lal has contributed to several other significant defence deals, including the proposed purchase of 31 MQ-9B drones for the Navy, Air Force, and Army, Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, 22 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, AH-64E Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and 10 C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.
Officials say these defence collaborations have connected over 100 large and small Indian companies to the global defence supply chain, thereby strengthening domestic defence industrial capabilities. The increased deployment of MQ-9 drones indicates India’s growing reliance on advanced unmanned systems for securing its land and maritime borders.
Leave a Comment