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MQ-9B Drone Deal - UPSC Defence And Security
What is MQ-9B Drone Deal in UPSC Defence And Security?
MQ-9B Drone Deal is a key topic under Defence And Security for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US for USD 3.5 billion.. Drones manufactured by General Atomics, known for advanced ISR and strike capabilities.. Deal includes an MRO facility in India, boosting 'Make in India' defence and self-reliance.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is MQ-9B Drone Deal important for UPSC exam?
MQ-9B Drone Deal is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Defence And Security. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of MQ-9B Drone Deal, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare MQ-9B Drone Deal for UPSC?
To prepare MQ-9B Drone Deal for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Defence And Security. (5) Write practice answers linking MQ-9B Drone Deal to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of MQ-9B Drone Deal for UPSC
- India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US for USD 3.5 billion.
- Drones manufactured by General Atomics, known for advanced ISR and strike capabilities.
- Deal includes an MRO facility in India, boosting 'Make in India' defence and self-reliance.
- Procurement is via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, a government-to-government mechanism.
- Significantly enhances India's surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike potential.
- Strengthens India-US strategic defence cooperation and shared security interests.
MQ-9B Drone Deal
Medium⏱️ 6 min read
defence and security
📖 Introduction
Overview of the MQ-9B Drone Deal
India has finalized a significant defence deal with the United States, valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion.
This agreement facilitates the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones for India's armed forces.
The MQ-9B Predator Drones
The MQ-9B Predator drones are manufactured by General Atomics, a leading American defence contractor.
These drones are known for their advanced capabilities, including long endurance, high-altitude operations, and the ability to carry a variety of payloads for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Facility
A crucial aspect of this deal is the commitment by General Atomics to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
The establishment of an MRO facility in India is a significant step towards boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign maintenance infrastructure, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative.
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) System
The entire procurement process for the MQ-9B drones has been conducted under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system of the U.S. Government.
Understanding the FMS system is vital for UPSC aspirants, as it frequently features in discussions about India-US defence cooperation and global arms trade mechanisms. It highlights a government-to-government transaction rather than direct commercial sales.
💡 Key Takeaways
- •India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US for USD 3.5 billion.
- •Drones manufactured by General Atomics, known for advanced ISR and strike capabilities.
- •Deal includes an MRO facility in India, boosting 'Make in India' defence and self-reliance.
- •Procurement is via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, a government-to-government mechanism.
- •Significantly enhances India's surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike potential.
- •Strengthens India-US strategic defence cooperation and shared security interests.
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