India, US to ink Rs 32,000 crores deals for 31 Predator drones, MRO Today
First Published: 15th October, 2024 8:02 IST
Top Indian defence officials, including Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager for the naval systems, are set to be present at the signing ceremony
In a major boost for the armed forces’ surveillance capabilities, India and the US are set to sign Rs 32,000 crore deals for acquiring 31 Predator drones and setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for them in India.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones last week, of which 15 will go to the Indian Navy, while the rest will be divided equally between the Air Force and the Army.
The Foreign Military Sales contract with the US government for 31 Predator drones and the MRO is scheduled to be signed today (Tuesday), defence officials told ANI.
The American team of military and corporate officials are in town for the sinking of these contracts, the officials said.
Top Indian defence officials, including Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager for the naval systems, are set to be present at the signing ceremony, they said.
India has been discussing the deal with the US for many years but the final hurdles were cleared a few weeks ago at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting, as it had to be cleared before October 31 as the validity of the American proposal was till that time only.
India would be basing the drones at four possible locations including INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The Indian military has acquired the drones from the US in a tri-services deal with the numbers decided by the forces after a scientific study. (ANI)
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Space Menu Goes Desi: Gajar Ka Halwa Wins Over International Astronauts
The sweet surprise, specially developed for space consumption by ISRO and DRDO, was the centrepiece of a lively gathering aboard Axiom Mission 4.
11th July 2025
“Show Me One Photo of Collateral Damage in OP Sindoor, Operation precise to the point,” NSA, Ajit Doval Dares Foreign Media
National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval on Friday dismissed foreign media reports of collateral damage in India during Operation Sindoor. Hailing Operation Sindoor as a proud moment for India, Doval challenged critics to produce even a single image of destruction of Indian property. Speaking at the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras, Doval said “Show me even […]
11th July 2025
From Moradabad to Apple HQ: Meet Sabih Khan, the New COO of the iPhone Giant
At Apple, he steadily climbed the ranks and most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Operations.
11th July 2025
Axiom-4 crew, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, scheduled to undock from ISS on July 14
Axiom Mission 4 was launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A
11th July 2025
Trump announces 35 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada
Trump threatened to increase the tariff rate by the same amount if Canada decides to increase their tariffs on importing American products.
11th July 2025