India on Tuesday finalized an agreement with the US State Department to acquire 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones, the Indian Defense Ministry confirmed.
The purchase, which was first discussed in 2018, is set to significantly enhance India's surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
The deal is in line with US strategic interests in reducing India's dependence on Russian military equipment and countering China's influence in the region.
Approval for the acquisition was given by India's top defense body last year, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Washington, with Pentagon approval in February. According to a Reuters report, these drones will primarily support Indian Navy operations in the Indian Ocean region.
The acquisition is considered crucial as India faces advanced air defense challenges from its neighbours, China and Pakistan, which restrict the use of drones along its terrestrial borders.