India set to manufacture parts for GA-ASI UAVs
India is likely to reduce the number of MQ-9B Reapers that it buys, but a deal has still not been inked. (Photo: US Embassy in India)
India has been unable to conclude a deal for MQ-9B Reapers so far, but local companies hope to join in regardless.
Urgent ISR requirements for the Indian military in the wake of border tensions with China have resulted in frantic discussions between the US and India to seal a deal for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9B Reapers for the army, navy and air force.
The original requirement for 30 Reapers could be trimmed to less than 20 however.
Indeed, Chief of Naval Staff Adm R Hari Kumar had said at the Indian Navy's (IN's) annual press conference in December: ‘The case for the procurement is under process. We are discussing whether the numbers must be rationalised.’
However, any decision
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
