India tightens American ties with Reaper and fighter engine procurements
India is now looking to procure 31 MQ-9B Reapers from the US, but a deal has still not been inked. (Photo: US Embassy in India)
India has been mulling Reapers for years, and it will probably take another two years before a deal is sealed.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the US, starting 21 June, resulted in a bonanza of large-ticket defence sales to India. They included General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9B MALE UAVs and the domestic manufacture of General Electric F414 engines.
India’s 15 June acceptance of necessity had consented procurement of 31 armed MQ-9B UAVs. Worth up to $3.072 billion, this is the largest order by a foreign country to GA-ASI.
The deal, once signed, will comprise 15 SeaGuardians for the Indian Navy and eight SkyGuardians each for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, to be assembled
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
