The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken a significant leap in bolstering the long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of its armed forces. On 15 October, the MoD officially announced its commitment to acquire 31 medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the United States, further strengthening India’s military might in an era of increasing geopolitical challenges.
The acquisition, which includes a combination of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian UAVs, will be carried out under a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI). The agreement represents a significant development in the India-US defense partnership and aims to elevate India’s ISR operations to a new level.
The MoD’s statement was brief, but its implications are far-reaching: “The Indian Ministry of Defence is pleased to confirm the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B UAVs from General Atomics, along with additional logistics and maintenance support to ensure operational efficiency. This decision aligns with the strategic goals of the Indian Armed Forces to enhance ISR capabilities and secure our borders and maritime territories.”
The contract includes a mix of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian UAVs, which are some of the most advanced and combat-tested drones in the world. The breakdown includes 16 SkyGuardians, with eight each designated for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and 15 SeaGuardians, which will be deployed by the Indian Navy. These drones will serve multiple purposes, including border surveillance, maritime domain awareness, and reconnaissance operations, critical for counter-terrorism and safeguarding India’s vast coastal borders.
The MQ-9B is an upgrade from the renowned MQ-9 Reaper, equipped with state-of-the-art radar, electro-optical sensors, and communication systems. These drones have an endurance of over 40 hours, enabling them to monitor wide areas for extended periods. They are also equipped to carry a range of payloads, making them adaptable for both ISR missions and potential offensive operations.
In a separate deal, the MoD has also secured logistics, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the UAV fleet from GA-ASI, ensuring that the systems are kept in optimal condition for long-term operational readiness. While details of the contract remain undisclosed, state-run media outlets estimate the deal’s worth to be approximately USD 3.7 billion.
India’s decision to invest in these UAVs is a direct response to its evolving security concerns, particularly with regards to border tensions and maritime security. In the last decade, India has faced growing challenges along its northern borders with China, as well as the western front with Pakistan. At sea, the Indian Navy faces the growing assertiveness of China’s naval expansion in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is one of the most critical maritime zones globally due to its shipping lanes and resources.
With the introduction of these advanced drones, India will significantly enhance its ISR capabilities across its borders and seas. The SkyGuardian UAVs, intended for the Indian Army and Air Force, will provide crucial intelligence for monitoring high-altitude terrains, including the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. These drones are capable of operating in extreme environmental conditions, making them ideal for deployment in regions such as Ladakh and Sikkim.
On the maritime front, the Indian Navy’s acquisition of SeaGuardian drones is a game-changer. The IOR is not only critical for India’s energy security but also serves as a major trade route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The SeaGuardians will help the Indian Navy expand its reach far beyond coastal waters, monitoring vast swathes of ocean, protecting shipping lanes, and countering the increasing presence of foreign naval vessels in the region.
With these acquisitions, India will now be able to maintain a near-persistent watch over its waters and potentially conduct precision strikes in the event of hostilities, should the need arise.
The procurement of the MQ-9B drones is yet another testament to the deepening defense cooperation between India and the United States. Over the past two decades, India has shifted towards stronger defense ties with Washington, gradually reducing its dependence on traditional suppliers such as Russia. This shift has resulted in numerous high-value defense deals, including the purchase of Apache and Chinook helicopters, C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft, and P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
The MQ-9B deal follows in the footsteps of these acquisitions, underscoring the US’s commitment to support India’s rise as a major defense player in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal also aligns with the US’s broader strategy of strengthening alliances and partnerships in the region as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
According to defense analysts, the MQ-9B drones will also enhance interoperability between Indian and US forces, especially in joint exercises and operations such as the annual Malabar naval drills, which involve the US, India, Japan, and Australia.
India’s acquisition of the MQ-9B is part of a broader trend in Asia, where the demand for advanced UAV systems is growing amid regional security concerns.
In August 2023, Japan’s Coast Guard (JCG) agreed to acquire two additional SeaGuardian UAVs from GA-ASI, marking the expansion of its UAV fleet, which has been operational since 2022. Japan has been using the SeaGuardians to undertake a variety of missions, including monitoring North Korean missile activity, conducting maritime surveillance during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, and aiding in search-and-rescue operations following natural disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024. These drones have played a crucial role in Japan’s Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) operations, covering large portions of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has also joined the list of MQ-9B operators, with an order for four SeaGuardian UAVs placed in 2023. Taiwan’s defense planners have underscored the importance of UAVs in boosting maritime situational awareness, especially given the heightened tensions with China over the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is expected to receive its SeaGuardians in two batches between 2026 and 2027, and the drones will serve as key assets for both maritime reconnaissance and monitoring Chinese naval movements.
These developments showcase the growing reputation of the MQ-9B platform as a reliable, versatile solution for modern defense needs. It is increasingly being adopted by nations looking to enhance their ISR capabilities, reflecting the drone’s advanced technology, endurance, and adaptability for both military and civil missions.
While the MQ-9B acquisition is a positive step for India’s defense posture, it is not without challenges. Operating a fleet of advanced UAVs requires the development of sophisticated support infrastructure, including command-and-control networks, secure communication channels, and the ability to analyze large volumes of data generated by the drones. This will likely necessitate further investments by India in satellite-based communication systems and artificial intelligence for data processing.
Moreover, the integration of the UAVs into the armed forces’ existing operational structure will require careful planning. Training personnel, establishing protocols for joint operations between the three services, and ensuring real-time data sharing will be essential for maximizing the value of these assets. India’s previous experiences with acquiring new military technology, such as the Rafale jets, suggest that these processes may take time to reach full operational capability.
India’s acquisition of 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian UAVs from the United States marks a significant enhancement of the country’s ISR capabilities and a bold step towards modernizing its defense forces. With the growing complexities of border and maritime security, these drones will play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
India’s defense posture, the deal highlights the deepening strategic relationship between New Delhi and Washington, reinforcing India’s position as a key partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific. The introduction of these advanced drones also places India among a select group of countries capable of deploying the MQ-9B platform, alongside Japan and Taiwan, further enhancing its global defense footprint.
