The MQ-9B Sea Guardian drone leased by the Indian Navy from the US fell into the Bay of Bengal near Chennai on Wednesday due to a technical fault. The Indian Navy said that the drone was flying from INS Rajali, a naval airbase in Arakkonam near Chennai. In the year 2020, the Indian Navy leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from the US company Atomics for a period of one year for surveillance in the Indian Ocean. Later the lease period was extended.
How special is the drone?
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is generally called the world’s most dangerous military drone. This drone is equipped with the most advanced technology. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian can fly for up to 40 hours at an altitude of more than 40,000 feet. Along with this, this drone is equipped with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs. This combat drone specializes in over-the-horizon ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions.
India is buying 31 drones
India has signed a deal to buy 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from the US this year. The cost of this deal is around $4 billion. The proposed deal includes 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Navy and 16 Sky Guardians for the Army and Air Force. After getting these drones, the country’s defense capabilities will be strengthened.input language)
Latest India News