The Union Ministry of Defence on Monday (August 17, 2026) signed a ₹1,943-crore contract with the U.S.-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft system for the Indian Navy for 30 months.
Anbarasu, was present for the signing of the contract at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi. The capability would enhance maritime domain awareness and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage across the Indian Ocean Region, and advance the shared commitment of India and the U.S. to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A.
The leased platforms will strengthen India’s ability to monitor maritime developments across the Indian Ocean Region, and respond to emerging security challenges, the Ministry said. Embassy said, welcoming the contract.
