India signed a deal with the US State Department on Tuesday to buy 31 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones, the South Asian nation's defence ministry said.
The deal follows talks that began in 2018. It is expected to significantly increase India's surveillance and intelligence capabilities and is in line with US efforts to coax India away from buying Russian military equipment and counter China's growing dominance.
India's apex defence body approved the procurement last year just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington, while the Pentagon approved it in February.
The drones will be predominantly used by the navy in the Indian Ocean Region, Reuters reported last year. Two of India's long-time rivals, China and Pakistan, have sophisticated air defence systems that can limit the use of the drones along India's land borders.
You may also like
X Handle makes 22 flight bomb threats in 3 hours including for Chicago, Lucknow and Ayodhya
BSP to go solo in Maharashtra, Jharkhand elections & UP bypolls: Mayawati
Imran Khan kept in dark cell, isolated; no weekly calls to sons: Ex-wife Jemima
Dubai: 50% discount on public transport, up to 70% off on retail with student nol card
Startling report says Israeli forces used Palestinian detainees as human shields in booby-traps
Elected members of Manipur assembly representing Meitei, Kuki, Naga communities appeal people to shun violence
UP SHOCKER! Pregnant cow dies after man inserts bamboo stick into her private parts; incident sparks outrage
Rivals review: Aidan Turner and David Tennant wow in Disney Plus 'bonkbuster'
The Devil's Hour season 2 release date and how to watch for free
K'taka to witness high voltage bypolls battle in three segments
New Zealand's Tom Latham Leans On Experience In Test Captaincy Debut
How US picks its president: Decoding the election process
Alex Salmond died 'trying to open a bottle of ketchup' in front of horrified witnesses
Vastu Tips- Do not buy a broom on this day even by mistake, financial crisis will trouble you
Major blow for Donald Trump as losses at his Scottish golf course hit £14million
'Game changer' menopause supplement 'improves sleep' and leaves hair and nails 'stronger'
Thomas Tuchel in advanced talks with England after Man Utd showed strong interest in boss
The stunning Greek city that's still 23C in October and as pretty as Crete or Corfu
Taliban introduces new 'morality' laws banning images of living things
Liverpool transfer target on Arsenal and PSG's radar as $33m move predicted