In a major disclosure, Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of American Defence Company General Atomics, disclosed for the first time in an interview with BharatShakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale that 21 of the 31 MQ-9B Predator drones ordered by India will be assembled within the country. This unprecedented development marks a significant leap in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
31 MQ-9B Predator Drones Deal
India has signed a $3.5 billion deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, a crucial acquisition aimed at enhancing its surveillance and combat capabilities. This agreement, concluded under the Foreign Military Sales programme, includes the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The tri-service deal comprises 15 SeaGuardians for the Indian Navy and eight SkyGuardians each for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. The MQ-9Bs will significantly enhance India’s ability to monitor Chinese troop movements along the northern border and track naval activities in the Indian Ocean.
Assembly of 21 MQ-9B Drones in India
According to Lall, of the 31 MQ-9B drones ordered, 21 will be assembled in India. It represents a significant advancement in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. The delivery timeline for these drones is three years, with 10 delivered flyway (ready for flight) and the remaining 21 assembled in India. This initiative will enable Indian industrial partners to acquire advanced assembly expertise and contribute to developing a self-sufficient defence ecosystem.
“The deadline for delivery is three years, but it’s a government-to-government agreement on when the delivery will happen. All 31 will come in, out of which 10 will go in flyway condition now, and the remaining 21 will be assembled in India,” Lall disclosed.
Vivek Lall emphasized that General Atomics is keen to build an industrial base in India, collaborating with companies like Bharat Forge, HAL, and BEL. “Our assessment of Indian industrial partners has been very positive, and they have demonstrated outstanding capabilities,” he stated. The assembly of these advanced drones in India will enhance local expertise and support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
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India-US Defence Partnership Strengthens
Speaking about the broader Indo-US defence partnership, Lall expressed strong optimism about its future. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the Indo-US defence relationship is expected to strengthen further. Bilateral trade has already surpassed $25 billion, and military cooperation has seen a remarkable uptick, with a surge in joint military exercises and an increased focus on critical and emerging technologies.
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Indo-US Synergy
Lall further highlighted that the vision of “Making America Great Again” aligns well with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat policy. He pointed out that India and the US can explore several new avenues of collaboration, including critical minerals, nuclear fusion, and emerging defence technologies. Given India’s rapid advancements in technological innovation and its cost-effective manufacturing capabilities, a two-way collaboration could prove mutually beneficial.
He added, “Indian companies are now performing at a global level and can compete internationally. Investing in both directions, from India to the US and vice versa, will be essential for achieving global leadership in strategic sectors.”
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
India’s acquisition of the MQ-9B drones will make it the largest operator of these advanced UAVs, enhancing its capabilities in intelligence gathering, maritime surveillance, and cross-border security operations. The deal also includes a performance-based logistics agreement with General Atomics Global India, ensuring that these drones’ maintenance, repair, and overhaul can be conducted within the country.
The growing partnership between India and the US in defence and technology underscores a shared strategic vision for stability in the Indo-Pacific region. With significant investments in critical technologies and industrial collaboration, the two nations are poised for deeper cooperation that will shape the future of global defence alliances.
Team BharatShakti
