WASHINGTON, August 14, 2026
India is expected to begin receiving its advanced MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft in January 2029 under a major defense agreement signed with the United States in October 2024.
The agreement covers 31 drones: 15 SeaGuardian aircraft for the Indian Navy and eight SkyGuardian aircraft each for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through September 2030. India’s MQ-9B procurement details.
The acquisition is valued at approximately $3.99 billion and includes associated weapons, sensors, communications equipment, ground-control systems, training and logistical support. US defense-sale approval.
The MQ-9B is a newer development of the MQ-9A Reaper operated by the US Air Force. It offers extended endurance, satellite-controlled operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. India is expected to use the aircraft for maritime monitoring, border surveillance and precision-strike missions.
US Reaper Losses Raise Questions About Fleet Strength
The original MQ-9 Reaper entered US Air Force service in 2007 and has since played a significant role in surveillance and counterterrorism missions in West Asia and other conflict zones.
Before the latest Iran-related combat losses, the US Air Force reportedly operated approximately 182 to 185 MQ-9A aircraft. Lt. Gen. David Tabor told US senators in May that the available fleet had fallen to about 135 aircraft, although it could still support the service’s assigned global combat requirements. US Air Force fleet testimony.
The decline has increased pressure on the United States to replenish its unmanned aircraft inventory or accelerate work on a less expensive successor. However, the reported losses of US MQ-9A Reapers do not directly alter India’s separate order for the newer MQ-9B platform.
