Insight: How India’s Tri-Service MQ-9B $4 billion deal was awarded
In a Tweet by GA-ASI on 29 July 2021, the SeaGuardian was described as the SkyGuardian’s ‘salty sibling’. (Photo: GA-ASI)
After eight years of negotiations, the Indian MoD announced last week that it had signed a contract worth an estimated $4 billion with the US Government to procure 31 MQ-9Bs MALE UAVs from General Atomics (GA-ASI).
The contract award marked the culmination of lengthy negotiations with the US over acquiring GA-ASI drones, with the Indian Navy first enquiring about the MQ-9A Reaper in 2016. In June 2017, the US offered the Indian Navy 22 units of the then-new MQ-9B SeaGuardian aircraft, the successor of the Reaper. In 2018, the Indian Government expanded the infant programme into a tri-service acquisition, bringing in the Indian Army and Indian
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.