India Signs $203 Million Drone Lease Deal with General Atomics

India has signed a ₹19.43 billion ($203 million) contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude, long-endurance drones to the Indian Navy for 30 months. The government said the deal will significantly strengthen the Navy’s maritime domain awareness and its ability to monitor developments across the Indian Ocean Region.

The agreement comes as India and China continue to compete for strategic influence in the Indian Ocean. India had previously leased two MQ-9A Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics in 2020 for one year, with the arrangement later extended.

India has also been seeking to acquire advanced armed drones from the United States. In 2024, New Delhi signed an agreement with the U.S. State Department to purchase 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones, expanding India’s surveillance and defence capabilities.

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