Some of these drones will be assembled in India, with 30 per cent of their components sourced from Indian manufacturers. However, these drones will not include any missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) due to high costs.

The move to acquire these drones comes as India seeks to enhance its defence capabilities amid emerging geopolitical challenges. The Predator drones are expected to be a game changer, offering high endurance, the ability to operate at high altitudes, and lethal weaponry. According to the report, the Predator drones’ surveillance capabilities are superior to those of the Boeing P-8I.

The drones will be used by the armed forces for various purposes. The army and air force are expected to deploy them in critical scenarios to target key infrastructure and high-value assets. Meanwhile, the navy will use these drones to curb dark shipping and destroy vessels carrying arms and drugs in the Indo-Pacific. They are also expected to be effective against Chinese spy ships.

First Published: Oct 09 2024 | 11:09 AM IST