New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth around ₹1,943 crore with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. for leasing two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems for the Indian Navy for 30 months.
The contract was signed on 17 August in New Delhi in the presence of A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence.
The two MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems are equipped with advanced sensors and payloads designed to support long-endurance maritime surveillance and strengthen the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the remotely piloted aircraft systems will enhance the Navy’s ability to maintain persistent surveillance over large maritime areas and improve situational awareness across its operational environment.
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is designed for high-altitude, long-endurance operations and can support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over extended periods.
Under the agreement, the Indian Navy will operate the two Sea Guardian platforms for a period of 30 months.
The lease will provide the Navy with long-endurance remotely piloted surveillance platforms capable of supporting sustained monitoring across maritime areas, adding to its ability to maintain awareness of activities in its areas of interest.
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