Published: 9th Feb, 2024
Context
The MQ-9B 'Predator' or Reaper drone, one of the deadliest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the world, will soon be in the arsenal of India's military.
Key Highlights
- The United States approved the sale of 31 of the MQ-9B 'Predator' or Reaper drone, at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion
- Among the 31, the Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones, the naval variant of the Predator.
- The Air Force and the Army will each get eight Sky Guardian drones.
- The 31 MQ-9B drones will come with all paraphernalia, including 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB).
Background
- The advanced MQ-9 version replaced the RQ-1 'Predator' in 2018.
- The Predator drone, which was first flown way back in 1995, was used extensively by the United States in its war on terror after the 9/11 attacks.
- The drones were deployed to target al-Qaida hideouts in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan in the early 2000s.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drone
- Developed by: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
- It is the first hunter-killer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance.
- It has the ability to operate with pin-drop silence.
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- The drone can fly as close to 250 metres from the ground without the target even having an inkling it is there unless spotted.
- The drone can fly higher than a commercial aircraft, around 50,000 feet above the ground, and has a top speed of 275 mph or 442 km/h.
- The drone can fly continuously or hover over targets for up to 35 hours.
- Apart from air-to-air missiles, the drone can also be equipped with air-to-ground missiles, making it unique.
- Economical: The MQ-9B can match 80 per cent of the capability of a manned patrol aircraft at about 20 per cent of its cost per hour, according to General Atomics.
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Naval Variant The Sea Guardian, the Predator's naval variant, has a 360-degree surface-search maritime radar, and sonobuoy monitoring system, enabling it to be deployed for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. |
Importance for India:
- Effective controlled operations: With the drones in its arsenal, Indian forces will be able to launch remote-controlled operations on terrorist hideouts.
- Capability enhancement: With its long-endurance, persistent surveillance and strike capability, the MQ-9 Reapers can enhance the Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India’s Armed Forces.
- Strengthening of power: This increased reconnaissance will be useful as India continues to have strained relations with neighbouring countries, Pakistan and China.
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