Imagine sitting in a room and keeping an eye on your enemy 2,000 kilometres distant from only 250 metres above the earth. With a single button press on the controller, a volley of missiles may be launched at the target. The MQ-9B 'Predator' or Reaper drone, one of the world's deadliest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will shortly join India's military arsenal.

On Thursday, six years after india expressed interest in the Predator drone, the united states approved the sale of 31 of the UAVs for an estimated $3.99 billion. Following clearance by the US Congress, a formal contract will be inked in the coming months.

The Navy will receive 15 sea Guardian drones, the Predator's naval counterpart, out of the 31. The air Force and army will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones. However, india is not new to utilising 'hunter-killer' drones. Following a skirmish between indian forces and Chinese army personnel in Galwan Valley during the height of their border stalemate in eastern Ladakh, the government leased two MQ-9B sea Guardian drones from the united states for one year.

Drones were deployed to monitor Chinese operations in the indian Ocean Region. The lease was eventually renewed. With the drones in their inventory, indian soldiers would be able to conduct remote-controlled operations against terrorist hideouts.

WHAT MAKES MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONE SO LETHAL?
Aside from its current features, speed, and weaponry, the MQ-9B is the most sought-after drone due to its ability to fly in absolute quiet.

The drone's stealth characteristic distinguishes it from its competitors. Unless discovered, the drone may fly as close to the ground as 250 metres without the target being aware of its presence.

The drone can fly higher than a commercial aeroplane, about 50,000 feet above earth, and has a peak speed of 275 mph (442 km/h).

Another attribute it claims is the capacity to be sent on long missions in any conditions. A Predator drone can carry up to 1,700 kg of payload, including four missiles and around 450 kg of bombs, and travel 2,000 miles without refuelling.

The drone can fly constantly or hover over targets for up to 35 hours, according to its creator, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

Aside from air-to-air missiles, the drone can also carry air-to-ground missiles, making it unique.

The US utilises Predator drones for surveillance, information collection, and bombing. This is achievable thanks to its long-range sensors, multi-mode communication system, and precise weapons.

The sea Guardian, the Predator's naval counterpart, is equipped with a 360-degree surface-search maritime radar and a sonobuoy monitoring system, allowing it to carry out anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The drone system is very inexpensive. According to General Atomics, the MQ-9B can equal 80% of the capability of a manned patrol aircraft while costing around 20% less each hour.
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G GOWTHAM

03/02/2024 12:51 PM