MoD Inks Contract with General Atomics for Lease of Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian RPAS for Indian Navy

Summary

On 17 August 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (USA) for leasing two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy, for a period of 30 months.

What Happened

The contract provides the Indian Navy with two additional MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones on lease, supplementing India's maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a HALE unmanned aerial system capable of long-duration missions for maritime domain awareness.

Background

India has been expanding its unmanned aerial systems capability across the three services, including a separate larger procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones (Sea Guardian for Navy, SkyGuardian for Army and Air Force) under a government-to-government deal with the United States, aimed at strengthening surveillance along India's maritime borders and the Indian Ocean Region.

TNPSC Relevance

Defence procurement and modernisation news, especially involving indigenous and international partnerships, is relevant to the Defence and Science & Technology sections of TNPSC current affairs.

Important Facts

• Contracting parties: Ministry of Defence (India) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (USA).
• Platform: MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE RPAS.
• Lease duration: 30 months, for 2 units, for the Indian Navy.

TNPSC MCQs

Q1. Which company did the Ministry of Defence contract with for leasing MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones in August 2026?

A) Lockheed Martin B) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems C) Boeing D) Northrop Grumman

Answer: B) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Explanation: The MoD signed the lease contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. of the USA.

Q2. For which service was the MQ-9B Sea Guardian RPAS lease contract signed?

A) Indian Army B) Indian Air Force C) Indian Navy D) Indian Coast Guard

Answer: C) Indian Navy

Explanation: The two leased MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones are meant for the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance needs.

Q3. What is the duration of the lease contract for the two MQ-9B Sea Guardian RPAS?

A) 12 months B) 24 months C) 30 months D) 36 months

Answer: C) 30 months

Explanation: The contract provides for leasing the two drones for a period of 30 months.