US to sell World's most feared Reaper MQ-9/Predator B drones to India

US to sell World's most feared Reaper MQ-9/Predator B drones to India

Image- MQ-9 Reaper Drone

Background

 

After the fatal clash between the armies of the two nuclear powered states at the Galwan valley across the LAC in the northern sector of India, tension between the two neighbors is once again high after the Dhoklam issue.

Although talks between the Indian army officials and People's liberation army have been carried out the de-escalation process is not taking place at an speed which was expected.

The high mountainous areas along the LAC makes combined with rough weather makes it hard for the armies to patrol the area.

 

Indian army has been using Israeli unarmed Heron drones in eastern Ladakh. But it has also been looking for an armed version of UAV to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance and having the capacity to attack the targets with high amount of precision.

Also India has been in talks with the United States for quite some time now for the procurement of armed drones.

Image- Galwan valley-site of India China clash

Need for armed drone

Right now the current situations along the LAC are said to be stable but the risk of a two front war with China and  its Allie Pakistan is always an danger to Indian sovereignty.

China has its own version of armed drone called  Wing Loong which is Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAV.

Apart from that china has also been known to supply Pakistan with four such armed drones for the purpose of protecting its ambitious projects in Pakistan like China-Pakistan economic corridor and Gwador port. These drones are capable of carrying air to surface missiles and bombs weighing up-to 1000 kilograms.

Image-Chinese Wing Loong Drone

US re -tweaks MTCR policy

 Missile Technology Control Regime UAS clause restricted US from selling predator B drones or any other armed drones to it strategic allies like India and its allies in the middle east. As per the news changes to MTCR policy sales of armed drones flying under the speed of 800 kph won't be restricted. 

Now after the new rules US will be able to supports its allies and also expand its business in the UAV market.  Since both China and Pakistan is not a member of MTCR, selling of drones to Pakistan was not a big deal for Chinese firms.

Also due its low price as compared to other models in the market Chinese drones became operational in various armed forces around the world.

Bangladesh,Egypt,Nigeria to name a few.

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper or Predator B drone

MQ-9 reaper drone is an high altitude surveillance and long range drone. 

The reaper drone has a 950-shaft-horsepower 712 kW turboprop engine.

In an military operation the drone is handled or operated by a crew of three people which namely consists of pilot, sensor operator, and Mission Intelligence Coordinator.

It has a capability of reaching a top speed of  300 mph or 480 kph. With a large wingspan of 66 ft it can carry a payload of up-to 1700 kg. The ammunition of the 

deadly predator include hell fire missiles and laser guided missile bombs.

The drone can last for a time period of 23 hrs in a combat mission while carrying full load of weaponry under its wings.

The range of MQ-9 is quoted at 1,150 miles along with a service ceiling of 50,000 ft.

It is the long range endurance of this drone which makes it an ideal choice for India in high altitude borders with China and Pakistan.

Image-General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone

Image-Predator drone firing its laser guided weapons

Image-Drone command and control center

US India Deal

Initial deal for the drones were expected to be around 30 including the surveillance and armed versions. But due to the high cost of around 15.9 million dollars in fly away condition for armed versions along with an emergency situation has lead to the decrease in the number of drones .

India is now ready to procure six predator B drones by fast tracking the procedures under emergency purchase.

Although the deal for more drones is set to follow as the Indian navy has been showing much interests in operating these drones.