The Indian Navy recently inducted two American-made MQ9B Sea Guardian drones, marking a pivotal moment in Indian defence history. These unarmed drones are leased for a year and possess the capability to execute several types of operations. This article presents a detailed analysis of these drones, their procurement process, and their significance in India’s defence strategy.
Overview: The MQ9B Sea Guardian
The MQ9B Sea Guardian is the maritime version of the Predator MQ9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It boasts a maximum endurance of 40 hours and can reach altitudes up to 40,000 feet. Equipped with a 3600 maritime surveillance radar and an optional multi-mode maritime surface search radar, these drones have a diverse operational range that includes Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue, and law enforcement tasks such as Drug Trafficking, Illegal Immigration, and Piracy.
Procurement process: A landmark lease agreement
This is the first time the Indian Navy has procured surveillance drones through a lease agreement under emergency powers granted by the central government amidst rising tensions at the China border. The government has provisioned emergency funds of up to Rs. 500 crore per procurement project for the armed services in light of the escalating standoff with China. These drones were secured under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020’s provision for leasing military platforms.
The significance of the Sea Guardians in Indian Defence
The Sea Guardian drones are primarily intended for surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region. However, they can also be deployed to the China border upon request, if necessary. Previously, the Navy had only deployed the P8I Poseidon aircraft in Ladakh. The P-8I aircraft is a variant of Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon, which is designed for long-range Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
In the face of budgetary constraints, the Navy seeks to incorporate more unmanned solutions into their force restructuring. Leasing drones is a more economic and viable alternative until the government approves their purchase. Such decisions are in the realm of the Defence Acquisition Council, the highest decision-making authority in the Defence Ministry. This council is responsible for establishing new policies and approving capital acquisitions for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard.
As India continues leveraging advanced technology for defence, the addition of drones like the MQ9B Sea Guardian will undeniably offer a strategic advantage, further strengthening the country’s military prowess. It marks a strategic and economic approach to defence acquisitions while positioning India at the forefront of modern warfare capabilities.
