The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth approximately Rs 1,943 crore with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy.

The 30-month leasing agreement was signed on August 17, 2026, in New Delhi in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, A. Anbarasu.

The MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems are equipped with advanced sensors, surveillance systems and specialised payloads designed to strengthen the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities.

The aircraft will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) coverage across large maritime areas, helping the Navy monitor developments and enhance its ability to respond to emerging situations across the Indian Ocean Region.