Deliveries of MQ-9B likely in Jan 2029

The US has assured seamless integration of the armed MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones into the Indian armed forces. New Delhi had, in October 2024, inked a contract with the US for 31 of these armed drones, popularly known as ‘Predator’.

Deliveries are expected to begin in January 2029. The drones are widely used for surveillance and precision strikes.

US Air Force Chief General Kenneth Wilsbach, during a meeting with Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh in the US, welcomed India’s procurement of MQ-9B armed drones.

The US Air Force said, “General Wilsbach emphasised the US Air Force’s commitment to ensuring that the Indian Armed Forces can seamlessly and effectively employ the platform upon delivery.” The IAF Chief was also shown “full-spectrum MQ-9 operations”, the US Air Force said.

In October 2024, the Ministry of Defence had signed a contract with the US for the drones, along with a separate agreement with its maker General Atomics for performance-based logistics and for maintenance, repair and overhaul in India. The deal is valued at almost $4 billion.

The MQ-9B operates at altitudes of over 40,000 feet and has an endurance of up to 40 hours of continuous flight. It features automatic take-off and landing, encrypted communications and secure GPS. Its armament payload includes missiles and small-diameter bombs. It has advanced signals intelligence systems, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and synthetic aperture radar for surveillance. The MQ-9B offers persistent and long-range surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

Separately, the IAF said the two chiefs discussed enhancing interoperability, joint training, capability development and fostering shared learning.

The visit also included the IAF Chief’s engagements at Peterson Space Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base, along with a familiarisation flight in an F-15EX fighter jet. It may be noted that the Iranians had shot down an F-15E jet during the ongoing conflict.

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh received a ceremonial welcome at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and met US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

During the meetings, senior US Air Force leaders emphasised the importance of the defence partnership with India, highlighting its role in ensuring a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

General Wilsbach underscored the US Air Force’s readiness to support the IAF modernisation efforts, noting the mutual benefits of defence industrial collaboration.