India inks Rs 1,943 crore deal with US for two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones on lease

India's defence ministry signed an agreement on August 17, 2026 with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems for the Indian Navy for 30 months. The estimated cost of the deal is around Rs 1,943 crore, reports bazaar.businesstoday.in.

The drones are equipped with advanced sensors and payloads to enhance maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance. The lease model allows India to quickly gain operational capability and training experience, bypassing the lengthy procurement process. The systems will help monitor the Indian Ocean region for threats, illegal fishing, and smuggling.