Indian Navy’s MQ-9B Predator Drone Crashes Near Chennai, Replacement Expected Soon
A US firm, General Atomics, is set to replace the MQ-9B Predator drone for the Indian Navy after a crash near Chennai. The drone, used for surveillance in the Indian Ocean, encountered a technical failure and was safely ditched at sea.
The Indian Navy, which leases the drones under a Contractor Owned Contractor Operated (COCO) model, has briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and requested a detailed report from the manufacturer. The drones are crucial for monitoring Chinese vessels and anti-piracy operations.
Doubts Revealed
MQ-9B Predator Drone -: The MQ-9B Predator Drone is a type of unmanned aircraft used by the military for watching over large areas from the sky. It doesn’t have a pilot inside and is controlled remotely.
Chennai -: Chennai is a big city in India, located on the southeastern coast. It’s the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu.
General Atomics -: General Atomics is a company from the United States that makes advanced technology, including drones like the MQ-9B Predator.
Indian Ocean -: The Indian Ocean is a large body of water to the south of India. It’s important for trade and security.
Contractor Owned Contractor Operated model -: This means that the drones are owned and operated by a private company, not the Indian Navy. The Navy rents them for their use.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is a senior government official in India who is in charge of the country’s defense and military matters.
Chinese vessels -: These are ships from China. The Indian Navy watches them to make sure they are not doing anything harmful in the Indian Ocean.
anti-piracy operations -: These are missions to stop pirates, who are people that attack and steal from ships at sea.