Cabinet Committee on Security Approves Major Defence Deals

On 9th October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved two significant defence deals, including the purchase of 31 MQ-9B UAVs and the indigenous construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs).

Key Points

Purchase of MQ-9B UAVs: The deal includes 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs from the U.S., with 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and 16 Sky Guardians for the Army and Air Force, at a cost of $3.99 billion.
Indigenous Construction of SSNs: The CCS approved the construction of two nuclear attack submarines in India, following the successful indigenous development of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), including INS Arighaat and INS Arihant.
Maintenance Facility in India: As part of the MQ-9B deal, General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, contributing to offset obligations.
Importance of SSNs for Naval Operations: SSNs offer unlimited endurance for the Indian Navy's diverse operations, only limited by crew capacity. India has previously leased SSNs from Russia, and a third leased SSN is expected to enter service soon.
Pending Deal for Jet Engine Manufacturing: Another key deal awaiting finalization involves Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufacturing General Electric (GE) F414 jet engines for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A.
Focus on U.S.-India Defence Cooperation: The MQ-9B and jet engine deals were discussed during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the U.S. in August, indicating growing cooperation between the two nations in defence technology.