India signs Rs 1,943 crore lease for two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones

India's Ministry of Defence signed a contract on Monday, August 17, 2026, to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems from U.S.-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. The agreement, valued at approximately Rs 1,943 crore, is for a period of 30 months and aims to significantly bolster the Indian Navy's surveillance capabilities over the Indian Ocean Region.

The contract was signed in New Delhi in the presence of A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General Acquisition, Department of Defence. According to the ministry, the MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems are equipped with advanced sensors and payloads that will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage over vast maritime areas. This capability is expected to enhance the Navy's maritime domain awareness and strengthen its ability to monitor and respond to developments across the Indian Ocean.

The leased platforms will increase the Navy's inventory of such high-altitude long-endurance systems to four units, as it already operates two MQ-9A drones procured on lease in 2020. The expansion will allow for greater operational coverage in...