On October 15, India finalized a deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics at nearly $4 billion. These high-altitude, long-endurance drones will bolster surveillance along the China border.
Major Arms Suppliers to India (Prelims Specific)
India has diversified its defense acquisitions, partnering with various countries, as detailed below:
| Country | Range of Products | Examples |
| Russia | Fighter jets, submarines, missiles, tanks | Sukhoi Su-30MKI, T-90 tanks, S-400 missile defense system |
| United States | Aircraft, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft | Boeing P-8I Poseidon, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules |
| France | Fighter aircraft, submarines, missiles | Dassault Rafale, Scorpene-class submarines (P75 project) |
| Israel | Missile defense systems, radars, drones | Barak-8 SAM, Heron UAVs, Spyder air defense system |
| United Kingdom | Military equipment, aerospace tech | Hawk AJT, Rolls Royce Engines, Jaguar Ground Attack Aircraft, Westland Helicopters |
| Germany | Submarines, engines, machinery | HDW submarines (Shishumar-class) |
SIPRI Report 2023 – Key Highlights on India
- Top Importer: India remains the world’s largest arms importer, holding an 11% share in global arms imports from 2018 to 2022.
- Decline in Imports: Overall, India’s arms imports dropped by 11% between 2013-17 and 2018-22.
- Russia’s Declining Share: Russia’s share fell from 64% to 45%, though it remained the largest supplier.
- Rise of France: Arms imports from France surged by 489%, including 62 combat aircraft and 4 submarines, making France India’s second-largest supplier in 2018-22.
India’s procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US is a major milestone in enhancing its surveillance capabilities, especially along the border with China. The $4 billion deal underscores India’s growing defense ties with the United States, as well as its efforts to modernize its military with advanced technologies
