India-US discussions underway for $3.9 billion MQ-9B drones acquisition

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New Delhi: A team from the United States is in India for discussions on the MQ-9B drones being acquired by the armed forces for an estimated $3.9 billion which is yet to be inked as final talks on technology sharing continue...

Sources said that a team from General Atomics has been in the capital for talks on the deal to acquire 31 drones, 15 of which will have a maritime role...

The US government gave a go ahead for the deal in February, putting its value at an estimated $3.99 billion, up from earlier estimates of $3 billion..

General Atomics already has a tie up with Bharat Forge to make UAV components and has also committed to setting up a global maintenance hub for the MQ-9B drones in India...

Once in service, the MQ-9Bs will operate from three planned hubs in India, including INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu from where two of the drones that have been leased by the Navy already operate..

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