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Predator Drones: Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America, India has decided to buy Predator Drones (MQ-9B Reaper Drones) from American company General Atomics. On June 15, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved this proposal. Under this, India will buy 31 drones, which will include 15 Sea Guardians and 16 Sky Guardians.
According to the report of the news agency ANI, the acquisition proposal will now have to get the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security. There is a possibility that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to America, this government-to-government deal can be sealed. This will be the first major purchase from the US after 24 MH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters in February 2020.
What is the MQ-9B Reaper
MQ-9B Reaper or Predator drones is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), made by the American company General Atomics. The US Air Force uses it. It is a drone of the MQ-1 series, whose development started in the 1990s. Of the two drones India is buying, the Sea Guardian is specialized for maritime surveillance while the Sky Guardian drone will be used for land border guarding.
This is potential
This drone can collect real-time pictures as well as send it to the ground station for analysis. It is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, which makes it very important in military operations, border surveillance and counter-terrorism operations. The MQ-9 Reaper is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons including AGM-144 Hellfire missiles, laser guided bombs.
240 knots speed
According to the report of The Print, its speed is 240 knots true airspeed (KTAS). It has a payload capacity of 1746 kg, which includes 1361 kg of external stores. It is also unique in its name, with the ‘M’ denoting multi-role, the ‘Q’ referring to remote control, and the ‘9’ referring to the ninth series remote control.
< p style ="text-align: justify;"> India currently has two Sea Guardian drones, which it has taken on lease from General Atomics. The drones have been deployed at the Indian Navy’s Air Station INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu.
Drones will be with all three forces
All 31 drones will work under a tri-service command and will not be distributed equally. The future theater commander and the chief of staff committee will determine its role based on three operational center mission specific roles under direction.
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