India to Buy First U.S. Armed Drones to Counter China, Pakistan
- $3 billion deal for Predator drones to be approved next month
- Move signals India’s emergence as a key U.S. defense ally
Photographer: John Moore/Getty Images
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India plans to buy 30 armed drones from the U.S. to boost its sea and land defenses as tensions persist with neighbors China and Pakistan, according to officials with knowledge of the matter.
The South Asian nation will approve next month the $3 billion purchase of 30 MQ-9B Predator drones manufactured by San Diego-based General Atomics, the officials said, asking not to be identified speaking with the media. The deal would add to India’s military capabilities as the drones it has now can only be used for surveillance and reconnaissance.