India leases two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from US for Rs 1,943 crore

The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 1,943 crore contract with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft for the Indian Navy for 30 months. The deal was signed on August 17, 2026, in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) A. Anbarasu.

The MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems are equipped with advanced sensors and payloads. The Defence Ministry said they will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's maritime domain awareness and provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage across the Indian Ocean Region. The Navy already operates two Sea Guardian drones leased a few years ago, The Hindu BusinessLine reports.

The US Embassy welcomed the contract, saying it will advance the shared commitment of India and the US to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. The lease will strengthen India's ability to monitor and respond to developments in the Indian Ocean Region.