Font size:
Print
INDIA – USA Sign Nuclear attack Submarines & Drones Deal
Context:
Recently the Cabinet Committee on Security approved two major deals: the purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from General Atomics (U.S.) and the indigenous construction of two Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSNs).
More in News:
India’s Indigenous SSBN and SSN ProgramsPrevious Success with SSBNs:
SSN Project:
|
- SSN Proposal:The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the indigenous construction of two Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSNs).
- MQ-9B UAV Deal:
- The deal for 31 MQ-9B HALE UAVs is for all three services.
- Offset Obligations: General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved amendments to include indigenous content in the MQ-9B deal.
Significance of CCS-Cleared Deals:
- Indigenous SSN Project:
- Strategic Importance: Boosts India’s naval strength with unlimited endurance submarines, critical for maritime security and long-term missions.
- Self-Reliance: Advances India’s indigenous defence capabilities, following the success of nuclear-powered SSBNs.
- MQ-9B UAV Deal:
- Enhanced Capabilities: Strengthens India’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities across all three services (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Local Manufacturing: Includes offset obligations with a U.S.-based MRO facility in India, promoting technology transfer and job creation.
- Geopolitical Impact:
- U.S.-India Ties: Reinforces the growing defence partnership, enhancing India’s military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
- Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing: Supports Make in India with increased indigenous content and local production.
- Strengthens India’s Strategic autonomy : India leasing SSN from RUSSIA and now developing indigenous SSN with help of USA shows India’s Balancing Power.