What happened
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the leasing of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy.
Key contract details announced by the Ministry of Defence include the following:
Period: 30 monthsContract value: approximately Rs 1,943 croreSigning date and place: signing held on August 17, 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New DelhiPresence: Additional Secretary & Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, Shri A. Anbarasu
Background and earlier position
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian belongs to the HALE class of remotely piloted aircraft systems. In simple terms, HALE systems are designed to operate at high altitudes for long durations so that they can provide continuous or near-continuous monitoring. A remotely piloted aircraft system combines the aircraft with the sensors and control system needed for mission execution.
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