New Delhi, India – The Ministry of Defence has signed a significant contract with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to lease two advanced MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy. The agreement, valued at approximately ₹1,943 crore, was finalized on August 17, 2026, at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi.
The 30-month lease framework is designed to provide uninterrupted airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) coverage across vast stretches of the maritime domain. These specialized drones are expected to significantly boost India’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and expand the Indian Navy’s tactical readiness and rapid-response capabilities throughout the Indian Ocean Region.
Enhancing Maritime Security with Advanced Drones
Unlike standard land-based surveillance drones, the MQ-9B Sea Guardian is engineered specifically for all-weather maritime operations and blue-water security. Its deployment will fortify India’s surveillance coverage over critical sea lanes, addressing evolving security challenges in the region.
Key Capabilities of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian:
- Endurance and Altitude: Capable of remaining airborne for over 30 to 40 hours per mission at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet.
- Sensor Suite: Equipped with high-definition optical payloads, advanced maritime radar (such as the Lynx Multi-Mode Radar), a 360-degree surface-search radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, and High-Definition Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) cameras.
- Mission Versatility: Primary missions include anti-surface warfare targeting, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue (SAR), anti-piracy patrols, coastal surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Options for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suits, including sonobuoy dispensers, are also available.
The contract signing was overseen by Shri A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary & Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, underscoring the strategic importance of this acquisition for India's defense posture.
Global Adoption of GA-ASI Platforms
The MQ-9B platform family, which includes both the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants, has seen rapid adoption among NATO allies and strategic partner nations worldwide. Operators include the United States (US Navy, US Air Force, Coast Guard), the United Kingdom (Royal Air Force operates the Protector RG Mk1 variant), Japan (Japan Coast Guard and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for maritime security and disaster response), Canada, Belgium, and Taiwan, all utilizing these advanced systems for various intelligence and defense purposes.
This lease agreement marks a crucial step for India in modernizing its naval intelligence assets and ensuring persistent oversight of its extensive maritime interests.