MoD greenlights $3.9 billion US defence deal, India to seal 31 MQ-9B Predator drone purchase by October
India is preparing to finalize a significant deal with the United States for 31 weaponized MQ-9B Predator drones. This agreement is expected to be signed next month. The defense ministry is currently finalizing a draft note for the finance ministry before seeking approval from the Prime Minister-led cabinet committee on security.
A report from the Ministry of Defense’s contract negotiation committee has been accepted for this government-to-government deal, originally quoted by the US at $3.9 billion (over Rs 33,500 crore). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the US for the Quad leaders’ summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21.
“The contract should be inked in mid-Oct. The costing, setting up of a MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) facility here, performance-based logistics support and other such issues have been finalized after hard negotiations,” a source said to TOI.
Also Read: India and US poised to seal $3.1 billion MQ-9B Predator drone deal before October end
Though the deal does not include a direct transfer of technology, the 31 drones will be assembled in India. General Atomics, the drone manufacturer, will invest in India and source over 30 percent of components from Indian companies. Additionally, General Atomics will provide expertise to DRDO and others to develop similar drones indigenously.
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