India and US to finalize ₹32,000 crore deal for 31 predator drones and MRO facility.
India and the United States to sign a ₹32,000 crore agreement for the acquisition of 31 Predator drones and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the procurement.
15 drones will be allocated to the Indian Navy. The remaining drones will be equally divided between the Air Force and the Army.
The Foreign Military Sales contract will be finalized during the signing ceremony in New Delhi.
It will also be attended by top Indian defence officials, including the Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager for naval systems.
The Predator drones will be stationed at four key locations: INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, and two airbases in Uttar Pradesh.
This procurement will be a tri-service agreement, with the number of drones determined after a comprehensive study by the Indian military.
