MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Indian Air Force › Procurement
Eight MQ-9B SkyGuardian HALE drones for IAF under the 31-aircraft tri-service Predator deal
Budget
₹34,500 Cr ($3.99B)
Timeline
2024–2030
Sector
Indian Air Force
Indigenisation
PROCUREMENT TIMELINE
AON
AON
Acceptance of Necessity — CCS/DAC approves the requirement.
RFI
RFI
Request for Information — industry capability survey.
RFP
RFP
Request for Proposal — detailed tender issued to vendors.
ToC
ToC
Transfer of Technology clause negotiations.
CNC
CNC
Contract Negotiation Committee finalises terms.
Contract
Contract
CURRENTContract signed with selected vendor(s).
Dev/Trial
Dev/Trial
Induction
Induction
INTEL SIGNALS
Strategic priority designation
India signed the formal $3.99 billion FMS agreement on 15 Oct 2024 for 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance UAVs (15 SeaGuardians for the Navy, 8 SkyGuardians each for Army and IAF). Deal includes an indigenous MRO facility established by General Atomics in India and performance-based logistics.
RECENT INTELLIGENCE
news.google.com · 18 Aug 2026
PROGRAM BRIEF & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pipeline Status
Stage 5/7
Contract Signed
Estimated Budget
₹34,500 Cr ($3.99B)
Financial Outlay
Target Timeline
2024–2030
Operational Target
Armed Service
Indian Air Force
34% Indigenous
MQ-9B SkyGuardian — IAF HALE Remotely Piloted Aircraft is currently at Stage 5 of 7 in the Indian defence procurement procedure (Contract Signed). Eight MQ-9B SkyGuardian HALE drones for IAF under the 31-aircraft tri-service Predator deal
The allocated budget outlay for MQ-9B SkyGuardian is estimated at ₹34,500 Cr ($3.99B).
The program schedule indicates 2024–2030.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian is developed in coordination with vendors: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian targets an indigenous content of 34%, advancing domestic defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
CONTENDERS / VENDORS
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
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