India and US Sign Major Drone Deal
On Tuesday, India and the United States signed a significant agreement worth Rs 32,000 crore to purchase 31 Predator drones. This deal includes setting up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The signing took place in the presence of senior officials from both countries.
Details of the Drone Acquisition
The Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved the acquisition. Out of the 31 drones, 15 will be allocated to the Indian Navy, while the remaining will be shared equally between the Air Force and the Army. The contract was finalized after overcoming final hurdles at a Defence Acquisition Council meeting.
Deployment and Strategic Importance
The drones will be stationed at four strategic locations: INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, and Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. This tri-services deal was determined after a scientific study by the Indian military.
Doubts Revealed
Predator Drones -: Predator Drones are unmanned flying machines used by the military to gather information and sometimes to attack targets. They are like robots that can fly in the sky without a pilot inside.
Rs 32,000 Crore -: Rs 32,000 Crore is a very large amount of money. In India, a crore is equal to ten million, so 32,000 crore means 320 billion rupees.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility -: A Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility is a place where machines like drones are fixed, checked, and kept in good condition. It’s like a workshop for drones.
Cabinet Committee on Security -: The Cabinet Committee on Security is a group of important government officials in India who make decisions about the country’s safety and defense. They decide on big projects like buying military equipment.
Defence Acquisition Council -: The Defence Acquisition Council is a group in India that helps decide what military equipment the country should buy. They make sure the purchases are good for India’s defense needs.
