India Approves ₹80,000 Crore Defence Deal with US for Drones and Submarines
The Indian government has approved a massive ₹80,000 crore defence deal with the United States, aimed at significantly boosting the country’s military capabilities.
The deal includes the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones and the development of two nuclear-powered conventional strike submarines (SSNs), which will be built indigenously in India.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared the acquisition, marking one of the biggest defence collaborations between India and the US. This move is expected to bolster India’s maritime and aerial surveillance abilities, enhancing the nation’s security profile in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening Underwater Capabilities with Nuclear Submarines
The ₹45,000 crore deal involves the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. These submarines will be developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, separate from the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines. Private sector firms, including Larsen and Toubro, are expected to play a crucial role in building these state-of-the-art vessels.
The addition of these submarines will address critical gaps in India’s underwater warfare capabilities and will complement its existing fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) — INS Arihant, INS Arighat, and the S4. These submarines are key components of India’s nuclear triad, ensuring strategic deterrence across land, air, and sea.
Acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones
The deal also includes the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, enhancing the surveillance capabilities of the Indian armed forces. The Indian Navy will receive 15 of these drones, while the Army and Air Force will each get 8 units. The MQ-9B Predator drones are known for their advanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities, making them a valuable asset for monitoring and responding to threats in the region.
Strategic Boost to Defence Ties with the US
This landmark defence deal underscores the deepening strategic and defence partnership between India and the United States. It is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative and enhance the nation’s capability to secure its maritime boundaries.
With this approval, India aims to further consolidate its position as a leading maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reinforce its deterrence posture in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
