- February 1, 2024
Biden administration notifies US Congress of MQ-9B drone sale to India for $3.99 billion | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: The US State Department has approved the possible sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a statement released on Thursday, said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
In the massive military deal, India has proposed to buy 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft and related equipment, besides hellfire missiles, launchers, secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support and support equipment; testing and integration support and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support, the agency said in the release, adding that the estimated total cost is $3.99 billion.
The agency said that the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner which “continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region”.
The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation.
India has demonstrated a commitment to modernising its military and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces, the agency said, adding that the “proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
(With inputs from agencies)
In the massive military deal, India has proposed to buy 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft and related equipment, besides hellfire missiles, launchers, secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support and support equipment; testing and integration support and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support, the agency said in the release, adding that the estimated total cost is $3.99 billion.
The agency said that the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner which “continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region”.
The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation.
India has demonstrated a commitment to modernising its military and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces, the agency said, adding that the “proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
(With inputs from agencies)
