In the midst of a push to promote indigenization, the Indian Navy announced on Tuesday that it is still pursuing a deal to buy American Predator drones, but only if they contain 60 percent indigenous content.
“We are still pursuing that project (acquiring Predator drones). We’re seeing how it can be indigenised and whatever facilities can be built in India. It is a capability we require.” ANI spoke with Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral SN Ghormade at the ongoing Aero India 2023 show here.
The American predator drone deal was among the deals put on hold in view of giving a push for the ‘Make in India’ programme and a committee headed by a Lieutenant General was asked to review the entire deal, which was coming out to be very expensive at around USD 6 billion for 30 drones.
Ghormade further said, “We are working with our own indigenous firms, the DRDO, and capabilities that we can take from indigenous sources.””Sixty percent is the desired Make in India content that we look forward to.” As per the initial plans, India was planning to acquire 30 American Predator high-altitude, long-endurance drones equipped with strike capability, including missiles, which were to be equally distributed among the three services. India is operating two predator drones, which were hired on lease from an American firm, and they have been helping the Navy keep track of activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
India has acquired 12 American P-8I anti-submarine warfare and surveillance planes for keeping an eye on the Indian Ocean Region and is working on getting six more of these planes.
However, after the government’s instructions on importing programmes, the government would soon decide on the project.
