Navy, Army and IAF finally agree to procure armed drones from US as MQ-9 Reaper in $3 bn deal....

Impressed with the performance of the two leased Sea Guardian drones, the Navy, Army and the Air Force will finally jointly procure 30 armed versions of the American unmanned aerial system in what could be a $3 billion deal, ThePrint has learnt.

The decision comes just before US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to India later this month. Austin’s visit could be a precursor to the impending meet of the ‘Quad’ leaders — US, India, Australia and Japan. 

According to sources in the defence and security establishment, initially one of the three services were not clear about procuring the armed predator drones but now all three are finally on the same way. 

They added that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) could take a final decision on this “soon”.

If approved, this would be the first tri-service procurement since Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat was appointed to steer the Indian armed forces into a more united force, both in terms of operational doctrine and procurement.

According to the deal, India will be acquiring 30 MQ-9 Reaper or Predator B, 10 each for the three services.

The MQ-9B has an endurance of 48 hours and a range of over 6,000 nautical miles. It comes with nine hard-points, capable of carrying sensors and laser-guided bombs besides air-to-ground missiles, with a maximum payload of two tonnes.

The Navy, which is the lead agency for procurement of HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) UAVs, will seek the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) from the DAC.

Rafale Officially Inducted into Indian Airforce

The bird is inducted officially. Yes, the five Rafale aircraft which arrived on July 27 at Ambala Air Force Station were “officially” inducted into the Indian Air Force’s 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ today (10^th September 2020).

The Defence minister of India Mr. Rajnath Singh, during the induction ceremony presented an induction scroll to Group Captain Harkeerat Singh. Group Captain Singh will be the Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron of the ‘Golden Arrows’ of the Indian Air Force. The grant of scroll formally indicate the induction of the 5 Rafale fighter jets into the squadron.

The Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh in the presence of French counterpart said, “The induction of Rafale jets into the IAF has also strengthened the Indo-French relations. We are facing new geostrategic challenges and our two democracies are working together to resolve these challenges.”

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said that the induction of these jets equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and technology will ensure that India is able to maintain peace in the region and ensure stability. He added, the Indian Air Force’s deliberate and swift action near the LAC displays the professionalism and their commitment towards national security.

During the ceremony, while speaking from the podium, the Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, said, “The Rafale aircrafts along with the skills of the 17 Squadron of the ‘Golden Arrows’ will form a lethal combination and will challenge our adversaries.”

The delighted air chief marshal also thanked the government of India for the continuous efforts towards the strengthening of the Indian Air Force fleet along with the Rafale jets.

The French minister of armed forces “Florence Parly” also attended the ceremony. During the ceremony she said, “India will have an edge over its rivals in terms of security with the induction of these jets. The induction will also give a boost to the Make in India initiative.”

She also said that the induction of the aircraft is symbolic of the friendship between India and France. She also said that France also supports India’s candidacy at the United Nations Security Council. These jets are combat-proven. These jets have helped France undertake counter-terrorism measures.

The Rafale aircraft was given a water cannon salute after the Sarva Dharma Puja which was attended by the dignitaries along with both the defence ministers and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, air chief marshal RKS Bhadauria.