Indian Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator Drones | India China Border | N18G

Indian Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator Drones | India China Border | N18G The Indian Army and the Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at two key air bases to upgrade their surveillance capabilities all along the Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The IAF and the Army will have eight each of these highly capable long-endurance drones and would be able to cover almost all the areas of interest along the LAC with support from other existing assets, the officials said. The American side has given its letter of acceptance to the Indian side at a price tag of around USD 4 billion. There is also a provision for the transfer of technology of some equipment to Indian entities under the agreement, they said. With a flight time of over 36 hours at heights over 40,000 feet, the drones can be armed with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs, this fighter-sized drone specializes in (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. The Predator drones are expected to significantly enhance India's ability to conduct unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and along its land borders with China and Pakistan. MQ-9B has proven to be a critical asset in safeguarding India's security interests as it was used extensively to monitor anti-piracy operations from naval headquarters to get a clear picture of the actions taking place almost 3,000 km from Indian shores.Show more