The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the leasing of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy.
The contract is for a period of 30 months and is valued at approximately Rs 1,943 crore.
It was signed in the presence of Additional Secretary & Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A. Anbarasu, at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi on August 17, 2026.
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a cutting-edge maritime Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) offering unmatched endurance, advanced sensors, and multi-mission flexibility, making it ideal for naval surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and disaster relief operations.
It is the first RPAS in its class capable of real-time patrols both above and below the ocean’s surface.
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian strengthens India’s maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic reach across the Indian Ocean.
It bridges current gaps until full induction and positions India as the largest operator of MQ-9Bs after the U.S., enhancing deterrence against China and safeguarding vital sea lanes.
Key Highlights of MQ-9B Sea Guardian
Endurance & Performance
- Flight endurance: Over 30 hours in all weather conditions.
- Altitude: Operates at 40,000+ ft (12,200+ m).
- Range: More than 5,000 nautical miles, with a mission radius of 1,200 nm for ASW operations.
Advanced Maritime Surveillance
- 360° multi-mode maritime radar for wide-area vessel detection.
- Automatic Identification System (AIS): Tracks and classifies ships.
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM): Detects and analyzes electronic signals.
- EO/IR sensors: High-definition electro-optical/infrared imaging for day/night operations.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Sonobuoy Management & Control System (SMCS): First RPAS to remotely deploy and monitor sonobuoys.
- Capacity: Carries up to 40 ‘A’-size or 80 ‘G’-size sonobuoys using four dispenser pods.
- On-station time: Extended submarine detection and prosecution capability.
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Complements crewed maritime patrol aircraft.
Multi-Mission Flexibility
- Roles supported:
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Law Enforcement
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Airborne Mine Countermeasures
- Long-range Strategic ISR
- Communications relay and tactical SIGINT
Strategic Benefits for the Indian Navy
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Persistent ISR coverage over thousands of square miles of the IOR.
- Detects, identifies, and tracks vessels using 360° maritime radar, AIS, and EO/IR sensors.
- Enhances India’s ability to monitor Chinese forays and other regional developments.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- First RPAS capable of deploying and monitoring sonobuoys.
- Extends submarine detection capability without risking manned aircraft.
- Provides a layered defence against underwater threats.
