The US State Department informs General Atomics, the manufacturer of Predator Drones, of the US Congress’s approval for the ‘tiered review’ on the sale of 31 MQ9B drones to India today. We anticipate an official notification from Congress within the next 24 hours. General Atomics has also communicated this information to the top echelons of the Modi government, including the national security establishment.
While the Narendra Modi government remains tight-lipped about the entire deal, sources in Washington confirm that they will issue the notification for the sale of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones to India later in the day. While the Indian Navy will get 15 out of the 31 drones, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of high altitude long endurance drones from the US.
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US-India Defense Ties: Progress in Drone and Engine Deals, Congressional Consultations
US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller went on record stating : “ Generally, the US-India Defence Partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade. The drone deal is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit last year. We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region. Congress plays an important role in the US arms transfer process. We routinely consult with the members of Congress on the Foreigb Affairs Committees before our formal notification, so we can address questions that they might have…..”’.
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US-India Defense: Drones and Engines Thrive in Strategic Partnership.
The GE-414 engine deal with the US progresses smoothly, as the company’s CEO updates the top levels of the Modi government. The two national security advisors of India and the US actively manage both the drone and aircraft engine deals. The Indian Navy already operates two unarmed Predator drones from Rajali air base in Tamil Nadu, which are on lease from the US. The two drones have taken Indian maritime domain awareness to a different level as the Indian Navy battles both the Houthi missiles and Somali Pirates in the Red Sea.
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