Acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator Armed Drones bolsters India’s defence. The Navy is set to receive 14 drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each acquire eight. The MQ-9B, available in Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian variants, amplifies operational capabilities significantly.
During the Prime Minister's visit to the United States, defence cooperation and multi-billion dollar deals are poised to emerge as key outcomes. The recent approval by the defence ministry for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework underscores this commitment. With an estimated cost of $3 billion, the acquisition of Sea Guardian Predator drones aims to enhance operational efficiency along both land and sea borders, particularly in relation to China.
Drones offer numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to surveillance during peacetime. The MQ-9B Predator armed drones serve as a formidable force multiplier, providing a range of benefits that contribute to the nation's security and defence.
Minimum Risk During Peace Time:
One of the primary advantages of drones is that they are operated remotely, eliminating the risk to pilots. Pilots can control the drones from a safe location, away from potentially hazardous or hostile environments. This greatly reduces the risk of injury or capture in situations where manned aircraft surveillance could put human lives at stake. Drones are operated remotely, which means that the pilots are not in danger of being killed or captured.
Gathering Intelligence On the Border:
The drones' long loiter time and high-altitude sensors will make them ideal for gathering intelligence about Chinese. Drones are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and other surveillance equipment that provide real-time situational awareness to us. This allows for better intelligence gathering and analysis without putting individuals in harm's way. Drones can gather data and provide valuable insights without risking the lives of military personnel.
Longer flight endurance and Loiter time:
Drones can loiter over a target for a much longer period of time than any aircraft, helicopters .This extended flight time allows for more persistent surveillance and the ability to cover larger areas without the need for refueling or pilot rotations. Reduced reliance on limited pilot endurance decreases the risks associated with fatigue-related errors.
Precision Strike missions Against Terror Camps:
The MQ-9B Predator armed drones are a powerful force multiplier for ground attacks. The drones can carry a variety of weapons, including Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs. This will allow them to conduct precision strikes against terror targets in Pakistan,on the LOC or LAC.
Enhanced manoeuvrability and stealth:
Drones often have smaller profiles and more agile flight capabilities compared to manned aircraft. They can fly at low altitudes, hover in place, and access areas that may be difficult or dangerous for traditional aircraft to reach. This enables drones to conduct surveillance operations discreetly, reducing the chances of detection and potential neutralization.
Pakistan utilized drones 288 times in 2022 to smuggle narcotics into Punjab. Only 8 of these drones were intercepted and neutralized, highlighting the formidable challenge of detecting and countering drones.
Adaptability and scalability:
Drones offer greater flexibility and scalability. They can be easily deployed and rapidly repositioned as needed. Drones can also be operated in swarms, where multiple drones work together to cover larger areas or perform complex surveillance tasks. This adaptability and scalability provide greater operational efficiency.
Lower Cost of Operations:
Drones are much less expensive , which makes them a more cost-effective compared to manned aircraft surveillance. They typically have lower operational and maintenance costs, making them an attractive option for sustained or long-term surveillance missions.
By reducing costs, armed forces can allocate resources more efficiently.
Lesser Duration Of Training, Lower Cost Of Training
MQ-9B Predator armed drone pilots have the responsibility of conducting surveillance and strike missions using the drone's sensors and weapons systems. Effective communication with ground crews is also crucial for successful operations.
The training for MQ-9B Predator armed drone pilots is significantly shorter and more cost-effective compared to traditional aircraft pilots. The training program combines academic instruction with simulator training, focusing on the MQ-9B's systems, sensors, controls, and weapons operations.
The cost of drone pilot training is much lower, making it a more affordable option compared to training manned aircraft pilots. The training duration for drone pilots usually spans from 6 to 12 months, which is considerably shorter than traditional pilot training programs.
As a result, significant cost savings can be achieved. Drone pilots can become effective in a shorter period of time compared to traditional fighter aircraft or reconnaissance aircraft pilots.
Islands, Coastal ,EEZ SecurityTasks and Anti-piracy and:
A more efficient and cost-effective approach to surveillance along India's long 7600 km sea borders, as well as its island territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands, could be achieved by incorporating drones alongside the current methods of naval reconnaissance aircraft and ship patrolling.
In order to enhance surveillance capabilities within India's vast Exclusive Economic Zone and numerous unoccupied islands in Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelagos, the utilization of drones would offer superior surveillance compared to the existing methods in place.
The drones can be used to patrol the Indian Ocean instead of costly patrolling by big naval ships and deter piracy
Lesser Accident Rate.
The accident rate for the MQ-9B Predator armed drone is relatively low. According to data from the Air Force Safety Centre, there have been only 12 accidents involving MQ-9B drones since their introduction in 2007. This equates to an accident rate of 0.14 accidents per 100,000 flight hours.
The lower cost of training, shorter duration, and lower accident rate associated with MQ-9B Predator armed drones contribute to significantly reduced operational costs for the armed forces. This makes them a more cost-effective option overall.
Enhancing India's Seurity Through Drone Acquisition.
While it is conceivable that drones may become more advanced in the future and MQ-9B Predator armed drones could complement fighter aircraft in certain roles, such as ground attack and reconnaissance. With its extended loiter time and larger payload capacity, the MQ-9B is better suited reconnaissance missions.
The acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones by India will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
The IAF will still depend on fighter aircraft for air-to-air combat and tasks that the MQ-9B is incapable of performing.
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