Defence Ministry refutes claims that MQ-9B drone take care of US is value $3 billion

Among the various vital offers introduced throughout PM Narendra Modi’s just-concluded go to to the US was the deal to buy the MQ-9B drone. India is buying 31 drones made by General Atomics, 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian variants. While reporting the government-to-government, a number of media studies stated it’s value $3 billion. However, now the defence ministry has refuted this declare and stated that an quantity has not been introduced but. The ministry additionally stated that such pretend claims are being unfold to derail the acquisition.

In an announcement issued at this time, the union defence ministry stated that the quantity $3 billion is simply the quoted value by the USA, and it has not been finalised but. It stated that whereas issuing the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) on June 15 for the deal, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) famous the estimated price of three,072 million US {dollars} supplied by the US Government, nevertheless it has not been accepted and finalised.

“However, price will be negotiated once policy approval of the US Government is received,” the ministry said. The assertion stated that the Ministry of Defence will evaluate the acquisition price with one of the best value supplied by General Atomics to different nations. The procurement is in progress and could be accomplished as per the laid down process, the assertion added.

India is buying the drones by means of Foreign Military Sale route, and a Letter of Request (LOR) could be despatched to the US Government below it. The LOR will include necessities of the Tri-services, particulars of kit and phrases of the procurement. Based on LOR, the US Government and MoD will finalise the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) the place particulars of kit and phrases of the procurement could be negotiated and finalised in accordance with the FMS program and the value and phrases supplied by the US Government and GA to different nations.

The ministry said that some speculative studies emerged in sections of social media referring to the value and different phrases of buy. “These are uncalled for, have ulterior motives and aimed at derailing the due acquisition process. Price and other terms & conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations,” the ministry added.

In this regard, all are requested to not unfold pretend information/misinformation which may have a critical impression on the morale of the Armed Forces and adversely impression the acquisition course of, the ministry added in its assertion.

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, also called Predator B, is a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Originally developed for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and surveillance, it’s also used for offensive functions as it could carry weapons, bombs and missiles.

The air pressure model of the drone is known as SkyGuardian, and its maritime model is known as SeaGuardian. India Navy already operates two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, taken on lease. Now as a part of the deal, 16 SkyGuardian and 15 SeaGuardian drones will probably be acquired.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, among the drones will probably be assembled in India, and a few of them will probably be armed. It is notable that India is planning to purchase the Hellfire missile, and the drone can carry this missile, due to this fact, it’s attainable for the drones to be armed with the Hellfire missile.