Indian Navy Leases Two Additional MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs
The 30-month deal is valued at Rs 1,943 crore and gives the Navy interim access to long-endurance drones with advanced surveillance systems.
- On Monday, August 17, 2026, the Defence Ministry signed a 30-month, Rs 1,943 crore contract with American firm General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft systems for the Indian Navy.
- This interim lease complements India's larger $4 billion acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones concluded in October 2024, allowing the Navy to utilize the platform for surveillance while the primary order moves through the pipeline.
- Built by San Diego-based General Atomics, the Sea Guardian features a Honeywell TPE331-10 engine, cruising above 310 km per hour at altitudes up to 40,000 feet and carrying synthetic aperture radar and Automatic Identification System receivers.
- These platforms will enhance the Indian Navy's maritime domain awareness, providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage to monitor developments and respond to increased Chinese naval activities throughout the Indian Ocean Region.
- Since 2020, the Indian naval forces have operated two Sea Guardian drones leased from General Atomics, which have successfully completed around 15,000 flying hours during past maritime surveillance missions.
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35 Articles
Rent now, buy later: Why India is leasing 2 more Sea Guardian drones
The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 1,943-crore contract with General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy for 30 months. The move helps the Navy sustain long-range surveillance across the Indian Ocean until its planned MQ-9B acquisitions begin arriving.
Indian Navy Leases Two Additional MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs
India signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the leasing of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy for a period of 30 months. The post Indian Navy Leases Two Additional MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs appeared first on Naval News.
Greater Kashmir
The Hindu Business LineMoD inks pact with General Atomics to lease 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aircraft
New Delhi, Aug 17: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the leasing of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy for a period of 30 months. The contract is valued at approximately Rs 1,943 crore. It was signed in the presence of Additional Secretary & Director General (Acquisition), Department of Def…
India leases 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for Navy from US at ₹1,943 crore for 30 months
The Navy already operates two Sea Guardian drones, which were leased a few years ago. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely-piloted aircraft are equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors and sophisticated payloads.
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