Well if I cannot fight him you get ready to fight on our behalf, that is what this American policy is.
India is keen to buy upgraded MQ-9B drones to counter its neighbor China, even as it faces several key political issues such as the war in Russia and Ukraine. In this regard, India has signed an agreement with the US worth about 3 billion dollars, under which India is expected to get 30 high-flying drones. These drones will be a mix of Sea Guardians and Sky Guardians.
This agreement was reached during the first official visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi to Washington.
Some of these drones will also be assembled in India. These drones will be able to carry weapons. According to a Washington Post report, almost half of the drones found are likely to go to the Indian Navy. The remaining drones will be used by the Indian Army and Air Force for surveillance, officials said.
Border control with China
The purchase reflects India’s increasing efforts to closely monitor its border with China as it faces a strong and well-armed adversary.
India is not a security or military ally of the US, but both deeply distrust Beijing. That is why the cooperation between them continues. This cooperation also includes intelligence sharing, arms sales and joint arms development.
Tensions between New Delhi and Beijing have escalated as the dispute over the 2,000-mile long border between the two countries escalated. The border between China and India is called the Line of Actual Control.
Stress in relationships
Indo-China tensions later spread to other sectors as well. New Delhi banned dozens of Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, after the 2020 clash. The two countries recently mutually expelled journalists. Indian officials alleged that China was trying to encroach on Indian land bit by bit.
According to Indian officials, this is why New Delhi is facing a difficult task in keeping a close eye on the border. Indian officials added that China also makes extensive use of drones for border surveillance.
The MQ-9B drone
India has the latest drones
The Indian drone fleet includes 125 Israeli-made Searcher Mark II drones that can fly for long periods at an altitude of about 18,500 feet. India also has 90 Hebron drones. These drones are also manufactured in Israel.
The Indian Army has bought more drones, cameras and sensors in recent months to deploy at key tension points. A recent order will procure 850 Nano drones, for example. The small size of these drones allows them to be easily transported and deployed in large numbers.
It should be noted that there have been security clashes on the borders of China and India during the past years. The last border incidents between the two countries took place on December 9, 2022.
