Indian Navy leases two additional MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs

Published Aug 18, 05:00 AM UTC

India has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two additional MQ-9B SeaGuardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft for the Indian Navy. The 30-month lease, valued at ₹1,943 crore ($200 million), was signed on August 17, 2026. This brings the total number of leased MQ-9Bs operated by the Indian Navy to four, bridging the gap until India receives 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardians ordered in a 2024 deal. The 2024 procurement, valued at nearly $4 billion, includes 15 UAVs for the Navy and eight each for the Army and Air Force, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2029. The leased UAVs will feature a configuration similar to the ordered ones, including potential integration of the DRDO NASM-SR anti-ship missile. The lease is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the Navy's long-endurance maritime ISR capabilities, supporting the P-8I fleet.