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India to buy 30 US Predator drones for $3 bn to counter China, Pakistan

India is emerging as a strategic defense partner for the US, particularly in countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and some areas of Southeast Asia

MQ-1B Predator UAV. Photo: Bloomberg
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MQ-1B Predator UAV. Photo: Bloomberg

Sudhi Ranjan Sen | Bloomberg
India plans to buy 30 armed drones from the U.S. to boost its sea and land defenses as tensions persist with neighbors China and Pakistan, according to officials with knowledge of the matter.

The South Asian nation will approve next month the $3 billion purchase of 30 MQ-9B Predator drones manufactured by San Diego-based General Atomics, the officials said, asking not to be identified speaking with the media. The deal would add to India’s military capabilities as the drones it has now can only be used for surveillance and reconnaissance.

India is emerging as a strategic defense partner for the

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