The MQ-9B Predator is one of the world's most dangerous drones. India is purchasing 31 such drones from the US in a deal exceeding 259.55 billion rupees. These drones will be distributed among all three branches of the Indian military. Along with the deal, the US has proposed assistance to help India develop a powerful indigenous drone.
Defense experts believe this proposal will aid India in creating its own formidable indigenous drone. The immediate drones from the US will be deployed at four locations: INS Rajaji in Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, and under the command of the Indian Navy. The Air Force and Army will operate them at the Gorakhpur and Sarasawa Air Force bases, each equipped with the necessary long runways.
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Source: aajtak
From the Gorakhpur and Sarasawa bases, it will be easier to monitor China's Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Fifteen drones will oversee marine areas, while the rest will be tasked with monitoring the borders with China and Pakistan.
Learn the Power of This Spectacular Spy Attacker
This drone was instrumental in the operation that killed Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Known in the US as the Hunter-Killer UAV, it is a long-range endurance drone equipped with air-to-ground missiles. The R9X Hellfire Missile was used to target Zawahiri's hideout.
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Source: aajtak
The MQ-9 Predator is remotely operated by the American company General Atomics. It can be deployed for various missions, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and covert attacks on enemy locations. It is capable of long-duration and high-altitude monitoring.
Range of 1900 km, Capable of Carrying 1700 kg of Weapons
This drone has a range of 1900 km and can carry up to 1700 kg of weapons. Two computer operators control it from a ground station, making it akin to operating a video game. The drone measures 36.1 feet in length, with a wingspan of 65.7 feet and a height of 12.6 feet, and it weighs 2223 kg empty.
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Source: aajtak
The drone holds 1800 kg of fuel and operates at a speed of 482 km/h. It can target enemies from an altitude of 50,000 feet with missiles, although it is usually flown at 25,000 feet.
Seven Hardpoints... Attach Missiles, Bombs, or Both
The MQ-9 Predator is armed with missiles and has seven hardpoints: two inboard stations, two middle stations, one outboard station, and one center station. It carries four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, which are highly accurate for air-to-ground attacks.
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Source: aajtak
Additionally, it can be equipped with two laser-guided GBU-12 Paveway II bombs. Alternatively, it can carry various other weapons such as the GBU-38, a Joint Direct Attack Munition, or Brimstone missiles. The choice of weaponry depends on the mission’s requirements.
