MQ-9B armed UAVs to be delivered by 2030

The Indian armed forces will be receiving the MQ-9B Sea Guardian armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) between 2029 and 2030. These large unmanned aerial vehicles can operate at a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet and are controlled remotely by operators on the ground. The $3.5 billion contract includes 31 MQ-9Bs, with 15 for the Indian Navy and 16 for the Army and Air Force. The delivery will be spaced out over 21 months, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in 51 months. The deal had its share of twists and turns before finally being concluded in October 2024.