India has sought to obtain drones, both armed and surveillance, from the US to bolster its arsenal amid repeated incidents of incursions by China.
Industry sources said that India is looking for about 100 such drones worth $2 billion.
India has requested for the latest Avenger drones, an unmanned combat air vehicle, which is mainly being sought after with an eye on China. It has also sought the Predator XP, a surveillance drone, for internal security issues and terrorist threats.
However, while talks in this regard have accelerated in the past few months, the US has not made any formal commitment or given a public indication pending India’s application to join the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
Italy, which is upset with New Delhi’s treatment of its marines, appears to have currently blocked India becoming a member of MTCR.
However, both Indian and US officials are confident that they will be able to get through the last hurdle in the next few months, thus making it possible to take the defence trade to the next level, including the sales of armed drones.
Yes, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc is aware of India’s interest in Predator-series Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)Vivek Lall, chief executive of the US and International Strategic Development of General Atomics
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems produces the Predator series of remotely piloted aircraft.
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