- US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified US Congress for possible military sale of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and related equipment to the Government of India.
- Drones are powered aerial vehicles that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload(s).
- About MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones
- Designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for over 30 hours.
- Safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness.
- Integrates advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities
- Enables real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean's surface.
- Significance of Drone technology in defense
- Strategic: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) through real-time visuals and data to aid decision-making.
- Reduced risk to personnel, cost-effective as compared to conventional manned aircraft, etc.
- Tactical: Precision strikes with minimal collateral damage, improved coordination and logistics in challenging terrain, etc.
- Strategic: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) through real-time visuals and data to aid decision-making.
- Challenges associated with drones: Complex airspace management framework in India, impact of adverse weather conditions like strong winds, potential misuse to breach privacy and safety, etc.
Drone Technology for Defense in India
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