The MQ-9B Predator armed drones are a powerful force multiplier, but they are not a replacement for fighter aircraft

 Procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US is a big force multiplier for securing India. The Navy is likely to get 14 drones while the Indian Air Force and the Army will get eight each. The MQ-9B has two variants — Sky Guardian and its sibling Sea Guardian. Can 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones be used as replacement for fighter air craft for IAF? 

The MQ-9B Predator armed drones are a powerful force multiplier, but they are not a replacement for fighter aircraft. Fighter aircraft have a number of advantages over drones, including:

• Speed: Fighter aircraft can fly much faster than drones, which gives them a significant advantage in air-to-air combat.

• Maneuverability: Fighter aircraft are more maneuverable than drones, which gives them an advantage in close-quarters combat.

• Payload: Fighter aircraft can carry a larger payload of weapons than drones, which gives them a greater destructive power.

However, drones have a number of advantages over fighter aircraft, including:

• Cost: Drones are much less expensive than fighter aircraft, which makes them a more cost-effective option for some missions.

• Loiter time: Drones can loiter over a target for a much longer period of time than fighter aircraft, which makes them ideal for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

• Risk: Drones are operated remotely, which means that the pilots are not in danger of being killed or captured.

The 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones that India is acquiring will be a valuable addition to the Indian Air Force's arsenal. However, they are not a replacement for fighter aircraft. The IAF will still need to have a fleet of fighter aircraft to perform missions that require speed, maneuverability, and a large payload of weapons.

In the future, it is possible that drones will become more capable and will eventually replace fighter aircraft for some missions. However, for the foreseeable future, fighter aircraft will still be an essential part of any air force.

The MQ-9B Predator armed drones are a powerful force multiplier, but they are not a replacement for fighter aircraft. Fighter aircraft are designed for air-to-air combat, while the MQ-9B is designed for ground attack and reconnaissance. The MQ-9B has a longer loiter time and a larger payload than fighter aircraft, but it is not as maneuverable or as fast.

The MQ-9B could be used to supplement fighter aircraft in some roles, such as ground attack and reconnaissance. However, it is not a complete replacement for fighter aircraft. The IAF will still need fighter aircraft for air-to-air combat and for other roles that the MQ-9B cannot perform.

Here is a table that compares the capabilities of the MQ-9B Predator armed drone and the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft:

Capability MQ-9B Predator Su-30MKI

Air-to-air combat No Yes

Ground attack Yes Yes

Reconnaissance Yes Yes

Loiter time 27 hours 3 hours

Payload 1 ton 6 tons

Maneuverability Low High

Speed 300 mph 1,900 mph

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As you can see, the Su-30MKI is a more capable aircraft than the MQ-9B Predator in terms of air-to-air combat, maneuverability, and speed. However, the MQ-9B has a longer loiter time and a larger payload, which makes it better suited for ground attack and reconnaissance.

The IAF will need a mix of both fighter aircraft and MQ-9B Predator armed drones to meet its future needs. The MQ-9B will be a valuable asset for the IAF, but it is not a complete replacement for fighter aircraft