India’s Predator Drone Requirement is Down to 18

Instead of each of the three services wing acquiring ten each of predator drones, the new projection is six platforms each for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, in order to cater to their specific requirements. The deal will be done on a government-to-government basis with the US, pending approval from the Narendra Modi government.

The need for a top-of-the-line proven armed drone was felt due to China's constant upgrading and cementing of military-infra along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) and their developed armed drone capability. Furthermore, China is supplying the same armed drone Wing Loong II to Pakistan, adding to India's concerns. While the Indian Navy already has two unarmed reconnaissance versions of the General Atomics drone, the lease of which is expected to expire in 2024, India only has medium altitude long endurance drones without armed capability.

The MQ-9B Predator can carry four Hell-Fire air-to-ground missiles and two precision guided ammunition to take out high value targets. Apart from the armed capability, the drone has top-of-the-line radar surveillance capability and can provide real-time information to commanders on the ground about Chinese or Pakistani unilateral moves on the border. The drone can also be used to bolster multiple Indian Navy capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to counter the rising Chinese Navy challenge.

With increasing Chinese belligerence, India needs to be prepared for a military challenge at any point, particularly in the eastern sector. It is in this context that stand-off weapons like predator drones and conventional missile deterrence will work for India.