Prices for MQ9B drones not yet settled, enemies could try to scuttle deal: Sources

New Delhi: India is still to settle the prices with the United States of the 31 MQ9B HALE drones that it is in the process of procurement. Sources in the Defence Ministry said New Delhi is seeking a competitive deal in the procurement through a foreign military sale process.

As per them, the ministry has only accorded the Acceptance of Necessity to acquire 31 MQ 9B HALE Drones, and no negotiations over the price has begun yet.

They said the next step in the process includes Letter of Request to the Biden administration and getting the Letter of Offer and Acceptance from US govt. This letter will be granted by the US government after approval from the US Congress.

Following this, the Contract Negotiation Committee (CNS) will finalise the terms of the agreement before it goes for approval by the Cabinet Committee for Security (CCS). Only then the actual price and terms of the contract will be known, sources added.

As of now, only the United States has these drones. China has been trying to acquire it but has not been able to do so. Once procured, these drones will give India new capabilities. The country's adversaries are worried and may try to scuttle the acquisition process, sources added.

Sources said that the procurement will involve some transfer of technology (ToT), will also include the transfer of some niche technologies. India is looking at a minimum of 15-20 per cent ToT. The government will negotiate more and will get some critical technologies.

They further said that the acquisition is not against 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' as the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Tapas, a drone in the MALE category.

The MQ9B is a high-altitude drone and has long endurance. The Indian Navy is already working with ADE and DRDO on TAPAS and the technology also has applications in civilian use – in developing unmanned flights. This agreement will help establish India as a hub for manufacturing drones, sources added.

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