India-USA Predator Drone Deal: Final Delivery Timeline
India and the USA have finalized the delivery timeline for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones to enhance surveillance capabilities.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the USA.
- Drones are of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) category.
- Includes setting up an MRO facility in India.
- Aims to boost surveillance in the Indian Ocean and border areas.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 4–8 | UPSC focuses on strategic aspects: defence policy, Indo-Pacific, border issues, and bilateral defence deals. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | Defence acquisitions, military exercises, and appointments appear in SSC GK. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Military exercise: name, participating countries, location, purpose
- Defence acquisition: system name, purpose, procured from which country
- Appointments: new Chief of Army Staff, CNS, CAS, and their tenures
- Indigenization: 'Made in India' defence milestones, first-ever systems
- Strategic policy: recent changes to defence export policy, FDI limits in defence
Practice Questions
Q1. The MQ-9B Predator drones are being acquired by India from which country?
- Russia
- France
- USA
- Israel
Explanation: The MQ-9B Predator drones are manufactured by General Atomics, a US-based company.
Q2. What does 'HALE' stand for in the context of drones?
- High Altitude Low Energy
- High Altitude Long Endurance
- Heavy Armor Light Engine
- High Accuracy Laser Equipment
Explanation: HALE stands for High-Altitude Long-Endurance.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams
For every military exercise, note: India + Partner country + Purpose (bilateral or multilateral). Questions are pattern-based.
Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
Chiefs of defence services change periodically. Always keep the current CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Chief up to date.