India Approves Lease of Two More MQ-9 Drones, Boosting Naval ISR Capabilities

Washington, Dec 2025 : India has approved the lease of two additional General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft for the Indian Navy, a move aimed at strengthening intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities along its borders and across the Indian Ocean. The decision, cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a key enhancement of India’s maritime and border security infrastructure.

The MQ-9, widely regarded as one of the world’s most capable high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft systems, will complement India’s existing fleet of two MQ-9s leased in 2020. These platforms have already proven critical in providing persistent surveillance, real-time intelligence, and support for maritime and border operations. The addition of two more aircraft is expected to significantly expand India’s situational awareness in strategically sensitive areas, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.

The latest lease reflects the growing emphasis placed this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on deepening defence cooperation as a cornerstone of the India–US strategic partnership. Over the past several years, bilateral defence ties have steadily strengthened, focusing on advanced technologies, interoperability, and long-term industrial collaboration.

A central figure in facilitating this growing defence collaboration is US-based aerospace scientist Vivek Lall. As Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, Lall has spent more than two decades fostering defence trade and industrial cooperation between India and the United States. His efforts have enabled Indian access to critical US defence technologies while bolstering trust between governments and defence industries on both sides.

Lall’s work spans multiple major defence procurements. He played a key role in finalizing the agreement for 24 MH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters for the Indian Navy, concluded during President Trump’s first visit to India. He has also been instrumental in facilitating agreements for Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, AH-64E Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.

These collaborations have strengthened Indian military capability while benefiting over 100 large and small companies across India’s defence industrial base, integrating them into global manufacturing networks and enhancing domestic production capabilities.

The MQ-9’s induction and expansion underscore India’s growing reliance on unmanned systems to monitor its maritime and terrestrial frontiers. These aircraft will provide persistent surveillance and intelligence collection, crucial for maritime domain awareness, early warning, and operational readiness.

By leasing additional MQ-9s, India signals its commitment to leveraging advanced technology for strategic security, while the long-term collaboration facilitated by experts like Lall continues to reinforce the India–US defence partnership. The move is widely seen as a significant step in strengthening India’s ability to secure its borders and project power across its maritime zones.