What are MQ-9B drones that can easily counter Chinese equivalents
India is speeding its efforts to secure a deal with the United States for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones. The plan includes allotting 15 SeaGuardians to the Navy and eight Sky Guardians each to the Army and Air Force. The agreement, which could be finalized as early as December, is part of India's strategy to strengthen its military capabilities amid perceived threats from China and Pakistan.
Advanced discussions and distribution plan
The MQ-9B, built by US firm General Atomics, has a range of approximately 1,800 kilometers. It is utilized by the United States Air Force and its NATO partners. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) measures 11 meters in length with a wingspan exceeding 22 meters. The drone can operate for over 27 hours at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, with a speed of 240 Knots True Airspeed (KTAS) and a payload capacity of 1,746kg.
MQ-9B drone's mission payloads and operational details
The MQ-9B drone is equipped with various mission payloads including Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Lynx multi-mode Radar, multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), laser designators, and diverse weapons and payload packages. It is remotely operated by a two-member crew consisting of a pilot and an aircrew member responsible for managing the sensors and weapons.
China's CH-5 rainbow drone
The Caihong 5 (CH-5), also known as Rainbow 5, is China's answer to the MQ-9 Reaper drone. The CH-5 has a 21-meter wingspan and can carry up to 1,000 kilograms of equipment. It has an operational endurance of up to 60 hours and a range of 6,500 to 10,000 kilometers. While the MQ-9 Reaper can reach heights of 12,000-15,000 meters, the Chinese drone has a service ceiling of 7,000 metres. This flaw renders the CH-5 vulnerable to certain anti-aircraft weapons.
MQ-9B drone's military use and previous operations
The MQ-9B drones are currently used by US forces, NASA, the UK's Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force, and the Spanish Air Force. Japan also inducted these drones into its fleet in April 2023. Notably, an MQ-9 Reaper drone was reportedly used in a US strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. The US approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones and related equipment to India for $3.99 billion (₹33,060 crore) in February.
