Defence Ministry Approves Predator Drone Deal With US; Cabinet Committee on Security Will Give Final Nod
The contract to buy American Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones was cleared by the Defence Ministry on Thursday as part of preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will make the final decision.
“Today’s meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council [DAC] approved the purchase of Predator drones. The purchase request would now need to go through a process before being approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, according to sources in the defense industry, as reported by news agency ANI.
According to rumors, the DAC is the highest authority in the Defense Ministry to make acquisition-related decisions. The CCS approves all high value purchases in their entirety.
The arrangement, in which 15 drones would be sent to the marine force for use in surveillance activities inside its domain, is being spearheaded by the Indian Navy, according to an ANI report.
The three agencies also want to purchase similar medium altitude, long endurance drones from domestic manufacturers.
The agreement is made before PM Modi’s visit to the US, which is slated to take place from June 21 to June 24 and will be hosted at the White House by US President Joe Biden.
During his tour, PM Modi will make history as the first Indian PM to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress twice.
