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)
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
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