MQ-9B Armed Drone Deal with India, The Senator Cardin’s Green Light!
The Drone Deal between US & India is closer to finalisation. The Senator’s anger subsides as the diligent Biden team persuades Senator Cardin that the Government of India has promised to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun murder plot, which purportedly involves Indian connections.
New Delhi administration has reportedly assembled a team to tackle the issue by conducting necessary investigations and giving it proper attention.
“My approval of this sale was the result of months of painstaking discussions with the Biden administration” Cardin said.
“While I’m fully aware if the significance of this sale, for US National security and strategic interests, I have consistently conveyed my concerns regarding timing of this sale to administration officials in light of the alleged murder-for-hire plot involving Indian officials in an attempt to assassinate an American citizen on US soil,” Cardin said.
“I support deepening our bilateral relationship with India as long as that partnership is based on mutual trust and respect. Championing human rights and democratic values globally is one of my top priorities,” Cardin said.
The senator’s approval cleared the path for this crucial deal. According to reports, the US Government has given the green light to the 3.9 Billion USD deal for the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India following Senator Cardin’s approval in his capacity of Chairman of Foreign relations committee.
The Indian team must be thrilled as they move closer to finalizing this significant deal, which will enhance their military capabilities with one of the most lethal UAVs. India has the previous experience with the predator drone, having leased two of them for a year after Indo-Chinese Stand-off in Ladakh. These drones were used to monitor Chinese forces in the area discreetly.
Known as the “hunter killer”, this drone can fly just above 250 meter from the ground without being detected by the enemy. This stealth feature has captured the Indian Government’s interest, resulting in the forthcoming deal. The MQ-9B has demonstrated its effectiveness in targeting enemy hideouts in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan during the US War on terror. Predator drone strikes have eliminated key figures in terror outfits such as Akhtar Mansour, the second in command of the Taliban in 2016, and top Iranian General Qasim Soleimani in Baghdad.
Therefore, the Indian forces are expected to utilise this potent weapon meticulously, making MQ-9B a primary tool in India’s fight against terror and in maintaining vigilant surveillance to prevent escalations with China.
Some facts on the deal:
| Weapon | MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/Drone |
| Wingspan | 66 Feet |
| Length | 36 Feet |
| Speed | 442 KM/Hour |
| Refuelling | Can fly till 2200 Miles without refuelling |
| Altitude | 50000 Feet |
| Quantity | 31 No (15 For Indian Navy, 8 each for Air force & Army) |
| Estimated Cost of Deal | USD 3.99 Billion |
MQ-9B Drone can carry 8 laser guided missile, air to ground missiles making it deadly, carries minimum risk of collateral damages. The asset is perfect for Anti-terror operation and accurate vigilance on Indo-Chinese Border.
Some references for pictures & technical data
https://www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/mq-9b-skyguardian
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