India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems for the Indian Navy.
The contract, valued at approximately ₹1,943 crore, covers a lease period of 30 months and is intended to strengthen the Navy’s long-range maritime surveillance capabilities.
The agreement was signed on August 17, 2026, at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A. Anbarasu.
MQ-9B to Expand Maritime Surveillance
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is designed for long-duration intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over extensive maritime areas.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the aircraft will provide the Indian Navy with persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage across large sections of India’s maritime domain.
The Sea Guardian platforms are equipped with advanced sensors, sophisticated mission payloads and systems capable of supporting sustained operations over the sea.
Their deployment is expected to improve the Navy’s ability to detect, monitor and track activities across strategically important maritime areas.
Greater Situational Awareness Across Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean Region has become increasingly important to India’s national security and economic interests. Major international shipping routes pass through the region, while India’s extensive coastline and island territories require continuous maritime surveillance.
The two MQ-9B systems will enhance the Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness, giving commanders a clearer operational picture across wide stretches of ocean.
Persistent surveillance is particularly valuable for monitoring shipping movements, identifying unusual maritime activity and supporting naval operations over areas that would otherwise require significant deployment of crewed aircraft and surface vessels.
The endurance offered by HALE remotely piloted systems allows them to remain on station for extended periods, making them well suited for continuous reconnaissance missions.
Strengthening India’s Long-Range ISR Capability
The acquisition through leasing provides the Navy with additional high-end surveillance capacity without waiting for the longer timelines normally associated with the induction of permanently purchased platforms.
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian has been developed specifically for maritime operations and combines long endurance with advanced reconnaissance capabilities.
For the Indian Navy, the additional aircraft will strengthen surveillance coverage over India’s vast maritime approaches and provide greater flexibility in responding to emerging security developments.
The Ministry of Defence said the systems would significantly improve India’s ability to monitor and respond to developments throughout the Indian Ocean Region.
The agreement represents another step in India’s effort to expand persistent surveillance and situational awareness over its surrounding seas as the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean continues to grow.
Source: Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Press Information Bureau — August 17, 2026.
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