India is in the final stages of drafting a Letter of Request (LoR) to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics (GA) through the United States government. The MQ-9B is a high-altitude, long-endurance drone capable of autonomous flight operations and equipped with precision strike capabilities. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), it offers features such as a 5,670 kg payload capacity, 40,000 feet operational ceiling, and a 40-hour maximum endurance. The MQ-9B serves various roles, including surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, strike missions, and safe integration into civil airspace for real-time situational awareness.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- MQ-9B Predator Drone: The MQ-9B Predator drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) with high-altitude, long-endurance capabilities, and precision strike capabilities.
- Letter of Request (LoR): A Letter of Request is a formal document submitted by a country to another nation, expressing the desire to acquire specific military equipment or services, in this case, drones.
- United States Air Force (USAF): The USAF is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and it played a key role in the development and operation of the MQ-9B Predator.
- SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian: MQ-9B has two variants, SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, designed for different operational environments. The Indian Navy operates the SeaGuardian variant.
- Precision Strike: Precision strike refers to the ability of a weapon, in this case, the MQ-9B drone, to accurately target and engage enemy assets, minimizing collateral damage and increasing mission effectiveness.