India’s Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs 1,943 Crore with General Atomic Aeronautical Systems Inc. Of the US for leasing of two unmanned remote piloted aircraft systems (remotely piloted aircraft) or drones- the MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE)- for Indian Navy on July 17, 2026, for 30 months. The purchase marks a boost to India’s maritime surveillance capabilities.
The long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle MQ-9B Sea Guardian is suited to sustained ISR operations, and its endurance and sensor load would allow it to monitor large areas of the ocean and help with India’s maritime domain awareness needs. The leased platforms will give the Navy added airborne surveillance capability without the need to purchase permanent platforms immediately. They also arrive at an interesting time, with India pushing the observation of the Ocean area, where long-range UAVs would allow constant monitoring.
The lease also comes against the backdrop of India’s wider use of the MQ-9B technology and systems. Previously in 2024 itself, India has separately contracted for 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian RPAS for its military operations. This further leasing underlines India’s increased use of HALE unmanned systems for routine sea-based surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic assessment.
