MQ-9B SkyGuardian: India moves closer to securing US approval for drones

India has moved closer to buying 31 US-made MQ-9B SkyGuardiandrones that will provide the South Asian nation with enhanced maritime security and maritime domain awareness capability, in a deal worth nearly four billion US dollars.

The deal requires US Congress approval, after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying the legislatureof possible sale of the drones.

The US State Department said earlier that it has made a determination approving the possible foreign military sale to the government of India of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion.

Watch | US DSCA approves sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to India

"This was the initial step today, notifying Congress. The exact timeline of the delivery is something that we will explore with the government of India over the coming months", state department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.

Why is India-US maritime drone deal significant?

India has been proactive in protection of sea lanes in Indian Ocean Region. The security situation in this maritime environment has again hit headlines in the wake of attacks on Red Sea shipping by Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

Recently, an Indian warship rushed to help a cargo ship which was hit by a Houthi missile.

Even before the Houthi issue erupted, Indian Navy has been protecting cargo ships from Somali pirates and other threats in the international waters.

India drone deal won't affect military balance in region: US

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region," said DSCA in a notification.

The agency further said that the sale is going to India's capability to tackle threats by carrying out "unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols" in sea lanes.

To address possible concerns surrounding whether US would be arming India, the agency has clearly shared that provision of the remotely piloted aircraft will "not alter the basic military balance in the region."

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will be the principal contractor for the deal.

"Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to India. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale," DSCA said.

Addition of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft in the Indian arsenal is bound to improve its capacity as a net-security provider.

(With inputs from agencies)