US Predator Drones Deal: The Congress has raised questions on the price of the Predator drone cope with the US. On which a press release has been given by the Central Authorities. Defense Ministry officers mentioned on Thursday (June 29) that India has signed a cope with the US for 31 Predator drones. Negotiations concerning the value of that are within the preliminary stage. The proposed common estimated price can be 27 p.c decrease than different international locations shopping for it from the US.
A senior Defense Ministry official informed information company ANI that until now India has obtained indicative worth and knowledge from the US Workplace of Defense Cooperation and the procurement course of has to undergo numerous levels of negotiation earlier than finalizing the value. He mentioned that if India doesn’t ask for added specs associated to the drone, then the fee is prone to go down additional throughout the talks.
India-US drone deal
The indicative price of those US-made drones is US $ 307.2 million. The official mentioned that for every drone, this worth works out to US $ 99 million. He additionally mentioned that the United Arab Emirates, one of many few international locations to have this drone, needed to pay US $ 161 million per drone. He mentioned that the MQ-9B that India desires to purchase is just like the UAE’s, however with higher construction.
Congress has raised questions
In accordance with the official, every of the sixteen such drones purchased by Britain price US$69 million, however it was solely a inexperienced plane with out sensors, weapons and certification. Options like sensors, weapons and payloads account for 60-70 per cent of the full price. The Congress demanded full transparency within the Indo-US drone deal and alleged that 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones have been being purchased at a excessive price.
Modi authorities focused
Congress spokesperson Pawan Kheda mentioned that nationwide safety is paramount and lots of doubts are being raised on the Predator drone deal. We demand full transparency on this Predator drone deal. India wants solutions to necessary questions. In any other case we’ll get caught in one other rip-off within the Modi authorities. He mentioned that the Modi authorities is thought for jeopardizing nationwide pursuits and the individuals of India have seen the identical within the Rafale deal, the place the Modi authorities purchased solely 36 Rafale jets as a substitute of 126.
Defense Ministry dismissed the allegations
Senior Defense Ministry officers denied the claims made by the Congress and mentioned that this can be a clear one-to-one dialogue during which India is dealing immediately with the US. Common Atomics can promote high-technology drones to India solely by way of the US authorities underneath its International Army Gross sales program. The Defense Ministry official mentioned any such high-technology deal falls underneath federal acquisition guidelines and requires the approval of the US Congress.
Largest order for 31 drones positioned
The drones that India desires to purchase can carry a considerable amount of weapons and might fly very excessive. Officers mentioned they’ll seize high-resolution pictures even in adversarial situations. Common Atomics has additionally offered Predator MQ 9B drones to Belgium, UAE, Taiwan, Morocco and different international locations. India has positioned the most important order of 31 drones geared up with all associated tools together with sensors and weapons. Officers mentioned that the Indian Navy has been utilizing two MQ 9B drones since 2020. These have been taken on lease.
Deal completed on PM Modi’s US tour
India and the US sealed the drone deal throughout Prime Minister Modi’s latest go to to the US, which is being seen as a part of his efforts to make India a drone manufacturing hub. These high-altitude and long-endurance drones are able to staying within the air for greater than 35 hours and might carry 4 Hellfire missiles and about 450 kg of warhead.
(additionally enter from PTI)
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Rajneesh Singh is a journalist at Asian News, specializing in entertainment, culture, international affairs, and financial technology. With a keen eye for the latest trends and developments, he delivers fresh, insightful perspectives to his audience. Rajneesh’s passion for storytelling and thorough reporting has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
