Washington, 22 June: India is learned to have made the first major deal with the US related to buy armed drones. The White House has called it a ‘Mega Deal’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the US to a warm and enthusiastic welcome. In an effort to strengthen the bilateral relations, one-to-one discussions between Modi and US President Joe Biden, and between high-level diplomats are expected to be held during the tour.
Modi and Biden will also address the media together. Modi and Biden will make a formal announcement about the mega deal on the purchase of General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper armed drones.
With the procurement of armed drones, India will be able to ensure security along the China border. The drones will be deployed in the Indian Ocean and other international borders.
Through the $29 billion deal, India will get 30 fighter drones. Of the 30 drones, 14 will be given to Indian Navy and eight each to Air Force and Army.
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drones can fly for more than 27 hours at a height of 50,000 feet. It is equipped with a camera, sensor, and radar, and can collect secret information. The drone can identify dangers and reply to attacks in the air.
