India and US to Sign Rs 32,000 Crore Deal for 31 Predator Drones
In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, India and the United States are set to finalize a deal worth Rs 32,000 crore for the acquisition of 31 Predator drones. This agreement also includes the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
Details of the Deal
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently approved the purchase of these drones. Out of the 31 drones, 15 will be allocated to the Indian Navy, while the remaining will be equally distributed between the Air Force and the Army. The contract, part of the Foreign Military Sales program with the US government, is expected to be signed soon.
Signing Ceremony
An American delegation, comprising military and corporate officials, is currently in India to finalize the contracts. Key Indian defense officials, including the Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager for naval systems, will attend the signing ceremony.
Background and Deployment
Discussions for this deal have been ongoing for several years, with final approvals granted at a recent Defence Acquisition Council meeting. 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 comprehensive scientific study by the Indian military.
Doubts Revealed
Predator Drones -: Predator Drones are unmanned flying machines used by the military to watch over areas from the sky. They help in gathering information and can also be used in missions without putting pilots in danger.
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 this deal is worth 320 billion rupees.
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 matters.
Foreign Military Sales program -: The Foreign Military Sales program is a way for countries to buy military equipment from the United States. It helps countries get advanced technology and weapons from the US.
Defence Acquisition Council -: The Defence Acquisition Council is a group in India that decides on buying new equipment and technology for the country’s defense forces.