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The United States approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian military at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion in February this year. (Image: social media platform X)
PM Modi and President Biden discussed the MQ-9B drone deal and semiconductor cooperation during bilateral talks at the Quad Summit in Delaware
In a meeting hosted at the US President’s home in Wilmington, PM Modi conveyed his appreciation for the “unparalleled contributions” made by Biden in giving impetus to the India-US partnership. In a fact sheet issued after the talks, Biden welcomed the procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones which will help boost India’s surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
“President Biden welcomed the progress towards India concluding procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, which will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India’s armed forces across all domains,” the White House fact-sheet read.
What are MQ-9B drones?
The United States approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian military at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion in February this year. As part of the deal, the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones.
The MQ-9B Predator is known for its ability to operate with stealth, flying as close as 250 meters from the ground without being detected. The drone can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet, with a top speed of 442 km/h. It can carry a payload of around 1,700 kg, including four missiles and 450 kg of bombs, and travel 2,000 miles without refueling. The drone can fly continuously or hover over targets for up to 35 hours.
Semiconductor Plant in Kolkata
On the margins of the Quad Leaders’ summit, PM Modi and President Biden also praised efforts to facilitate resilient semiconductor supply chains, including GlobalFoundries’ (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata. The two leaders emphasised that this supply chain will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in chip manufacturing research and enable advances in zero and low-emission vehicles, connected devices, AI, and data centers.
During his meeting with Biden, PM Modi also emphasised that India and the US today enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all areas of human endeavor, driven by shared democratic values, and vibrant people-to-people ties. The India-US partnership has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with the two countries collaborating on several issues, including trade, investment, defense, and technology. The discussions between the two leaders are expected to deepen the strategic ties and pave the way for greater cooperation in the future.
