In a bid to enhance its long-range unmanned surveillance capabilities, the Defence Ministry and the Indian Navy are working to finalise a Rs 32,000 crore deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States by October 31. The American proposal for the deal expires on that date, and if it is not signed by then, fresh proposals and paperwork will be required from both sides, defence sources told India Today TV.

The Navy is now pushing to move ahead with the agreement and complete it within the deadline, securing all necessary approvals. The intent to sign the USD 4 billion deal for 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs was first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Defence Ministry officials have indicated that the three armed forces are planning to equip the 31 Predator drones with indigenous weapons during their assembly in India. These plans have been temporarily deferred to avoid any potential delays in the acquisition process.

The American manufacturer has shown reluctance to transfer technology to Indian firms, preferring instead to offer consultancy services for future production of indigenous HALE drones. According to top government officials, three hubs are planned in the northern, northeastern, and southern parts of the country to deploy these advanced drones.

The hub for maritime surveillance will be based at INS Rajali near Chennai, where two Predator drones are already being operated under a lease agreement. To determine the number of drones needed to meet surveillance requirements along the China and Pakistan borders, the tri-service Integrated Defence Staff has conducted a comprehensive assessment.