It’s 15 June 2023 and Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making body of India’s Ministry of Defense approved the AoN of 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) drones. India has been using two under-lease Sea Guardian variant of the MQ-9B and many reports of a likely future deal of this UAV have been floating for quite some time. Of the 31 UAVs to be procured, 15 are meant for the Indian Navy and 8 each for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force and also includes maintenance, overhaul and platform repairs.
This deal comes as a major boost to our Indian military drone-warfare capability and will be a significant strengthening factor for all of our Armed Force divisions. However, India is also prepping up the indigenous drone variants and what both can pose as decisive factors for Indian military in the long run.
India’s Indigenous Combat Drones ?
India does not have any ready-to-be deployed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) combat drones but three main entries namely the Ghatak, Archer and the Tapas-BH-201 are currently in the list of India’s capable UAVs.
Tapas-BH-201
The Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon-201 or simply known as Tapas-BH-201 is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV which is being designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the primary military aviation laboratory of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It is a modified variant of the DRDO Rustom-H but is has been inspired by the US’ original MQ-1 Predator according to a DRDO official. It will be having enhanced aerodynamic configuration, digital flight control, and navigation system and communication intelligence. However its major limiting issue is its non-combat structure as despite some rumoured reports, Dr. S. Christopher, Ex-Chairman of DRDO denied its combat capability and declared it as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and not an UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle).
Although the flight testing prototypes featured two 74.57kW NPO Saturn 36T engines, the Tapas’ production variant will have two 130kW engines indigenously developed by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE). With a length of 9.5m and a wingspan of 20.6m, the Tapas is expected to have a maximum speed of 224 km/h and endurance of 18 hours at a service ceiling of 8534.4m (28000 ft). It will be having a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) which uses the motion of the radar antenna over the target region to provide spatial resolution and gives a distinct topography of the desired region. Not even clouds can obstruct the Tapas’ vision. It will also carry specific electronic intelligence and situational awareness systems needed according to the mission.
As an indigenous entry, despite having no combat characteristics, the Tapas-BH-01 will be a great addition for India’s surveillance systems. Currently in the hands of DRDO, Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tapas did steal the show in the public demonstrations at Aero India 2023. The 250km-range final product will see its main user at the hands of Indian Army as 60 of them are on order while the Indian Air Force will be having 12 and 4 units for Indian Navy. Recently, 200th flight of TAPAS UAV was demonstrated to the Tri services team for the first time at ATR chitradurga on 27th June 2023. Tri services team appreciated the indigenous efforts for development of UAV. TAPAS is now ready for user evaluation trials.
Archer/SR-UAV-W
Another significant development is the indigenous armed drone or the unarmed aerial combat vehicle (UCAV) named ‘Archer-NG’ (next generation) which according to the media would be flight tested for the first time during June-July 2023. Archer-NG can reportedly carry 300 kg of weapons including smart anti-airfield weapons (SAAWs) and anti-tank guided missiles. The Archer-NG, with several more hard-points for weapons carriage, also draws a lot in design from the Tapas-BH. If the missile evaluation trials of the Short Range-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Weaponised (SR-UAV-W) are successful, the Indian Army and the paramilitary forces might procure these, said officials of the Aeronautical Development Establishment, a laboratory of Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO). It is expected to be able to fly at 22,000 feet while an upgraded research is also going on to increase the flight ceiling upto 30,000 feet. Bharat Electronics is in the duty of the avionics department of the Archer while reports of it having an Electro Optical and Infrared System (EOTS) have surfaced. ADE of DRDO is working on finalizing the airframe, wings, fuselage and undercarriage of this UAV. Plans of fitting on it with anti-tank missiles and perfecting its onboard systems for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, tracking and reconnaissance (ISTAR) are in a good path.
Ghatak UCAV
Being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment of DRDO primarily catering to the needs of the Indian Air Force, the Ghatak is an indigenous autonomous jet powered Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) with its hands in the making. The project is majorly classified and Of what is known regarding the details of this confidential project is that the Ghatak will have internal weapons bay for carrying missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions and might be powered by a 52kW dry variant of the GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri Afterburning turbofan engine. With both public and private sector in participation of the success of this UCAV, the Ghatak has already seen its first flight success in July 2022 which was carried by a scaled down testbed model. The full-scale prototype’s first flight is being expected somewhere in 2025.
Also Read, Understanding AURA UCAV Programme
According to DRDO, the Ghatak will be able to fly at altitudes of 9144m (30,000m) and is likely to have a high-subsonic maximum speed. Its flying wing configuration has been chosen to give thoughts to stealth while also maintain better space for fuel and weapons and overall stability of the aircraft. The Indian Navy is also reportedly interested in deck-based UCAVs. No specifics of weapon systems accessible by the Ghatak has been published till now.
Come to the remarkable mini-testbed model of the Ghatak which till now is as remarkable as one would imagine from Indian indigenous R&D. Known as the SWiFT, it is a Technology Demonstrator and is a scaled down version of the Ghatak with its main intent being to prove to the stealth technology and high speed landing technology in autonomous mode. On 1 July, 2022, the SWiFT made its successful maiden flight demonstration. The prototype is 3.96 m long with a 4.8 long wingspan. The maximum range to receive ground commands is 200 km with an overall weight of 1,043 kg. Judging from the demonstrator model and once the full scale model sees the light of the day, India’s Ghatak drone may be like the US RQ-180 stealth drone, which Forbes describes as an unmanned stealth bomber designed by Northrop Grumman to fulfil a US Air Force requirement for long-range deep-penetration missions in heavily defended airspace.
What’s The Big Deal About The MQ-9B?
Infamously known as the Hunter Killer drone, the General Atomics stand high and mighty in drone warfare capability and its MQ-9 Reaper, also known as the Predator-B is one hell of a High-Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle that reigns in a league of its own.
It is 11 metres in long and 20 metres in wingspan and is powered by a single Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine capable of producing 900 horsepower. It has a maximum speed of 482 kilometres per hour and a range of 1900km (1200 miles). with a whopping service ceiling of 50,000ft (15420m) and a 27-hour endurance limit, the MQ9 and its variants have defined what it takes to be long-endurance drone. Being an upgrade of the original MQ-1 Predator-A drone, the Reaper can carry 15x more ordnance while travelling at 3x the speed of its predecessor. The Reaper is an excellent applicant for long-term loitering operations for both surveillance and ground troop support. It is primarily used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision-strike role, close-air support, Combat Search and Rescue (CASR) and Overwatch.
It has an AN/AAS-52 multi-spectral targeting sensor suite made by Raytheon which includes color/monochrome/infrared visual systems with laser rangefinder to designate targets for laser guided munitions. Its Lynx Multi Mode Radar contains SAR, the same radar which is being used in the development of the Tapas, while with the addition of Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) and other target-tracking capabilities. BAE Systems’ Autonomous Real-Time Ground Ubiquitous Surveillance System (ARGUS-IS) has also been integrated in many of the Reaper units which has the ability to create continuous visuals of 1.8 billion pixels from the 368 cameras embedded in it.
It has 1800kg of fuel capacity and 7 hardpoints with capability of 360kg of internal and 1400kg of external weapons payload. Predator-B or Reaper being apt names of this UCAV, the MQ-9 has a more than stellar combat history. Countless drone strikes have been registered throughout the War in Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria against the ISIS, Yemeni Civil War and the Libyan Civil War.
It has been a major asset of US military in the war against terror. It can carry upto 4 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and 2 500kg GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided munition bombs. Depending on missions, it can also carry the 500 pound GBU-38 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) or multiple AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles. (None of which except the Hellfire are in India’s inventory). Infamous terrorist leaders such as Anwar-al-Awlaki (high ranking al-Qaeda leader), Abu Yahya al-Libi (senior al-Qaeda leader), Nayef al-Harith (senior AQAP leader), Mohammed Emwazi – the infamous Jihadi John, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (leader of ISIS) – all have seen their organs splashed out in the hands of Reaper strikes.
The Reapers have been procured by the US Air Force, the US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force and the Spanish Air Force. Recently, Japan inducted the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones. Between 2014 and 2018, the UK deployed Reaper drones in more than 2,400 missions in Iraq and Syria, striking 398 times, as per The Guardian.
Why The MQ-9 Predator-B Will Be The Best Ever Foreign Drone Deal of India?
- State-of-the-art long endurance capability allowing it be exploited for extended periods of time of military movements especially unwanted developments in the borders with Pakistan and China
- With heavy reliability of the General Atomics onboard tech and avionics, India will be satisfied to punch holes when combined with its deadly capability of multi-mission payload especially the Hellfire. With its long endurance and advanced sensors, the MQ-9 Predator can provide persistent surveillance over a specific area, detecting patterns, monitoring activities, and identifying potential threats.
- Real-time data transmission: The drone can transmit real-time video and sensor data to ground stations, enabling rapid decision-making and immediate response to emerging situations.
- Equipped with guided munitions, the MQ-9 Predator can conduct precise strikes against designated targets, minimizing collateral damage and enhancing operational effectiveness.
- The drone’s long range and endurance make it well-suited for monitoring India’s vast borders, aiding in border security operations and preventing cross-border infiltrations. The MQ-9 Predator’s persistent surveillance and strike capabilities make it an effective tool for counter-insurgency operations, providing valuable support to ground forces.
- Disaster response: The drone’s real-time data transmission and surveillance capabilities are invaluable during disaster response efforts, enabling authorities to assess damage, locate survivors, and coordinate rescue operations. During humanitarian crises, the drone’s surveillance capabilities can assist in assessing damage, identifying areas of need, and coordinating relief efforts more effectively.
- With its long endurance and wide-area coverage, the MQ-9 Predator can contribute to anti-piracy efforts by monitoring high-risk areas and identifying potential pirate activities.
- The drone’s ability to gather strategic intelligence by surveilling key locations, military installations, or adversary activities enhances India’s situational awareness and decision-making processes.
How Does Project Cheetah Come Into The Play?
Project Cheetah is an Indian Air Force (IAF) project to upgrade its fleet of Israeli-origin Heron unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with better communication facilities and missiles which can target enemy positions from long range. The project was originally planned to be completed with Israeli weapon manufacturers, but the IAF is now planning to go ahead with the upgrade of its drones by involving Israel and Indian defence firms under Make in India in defence.
The project is expected to cost around ₹5,000 crore and will see the Heron UAVs equipped with Spice 2000 and Spice 1000 precision-guided missiles. The upgraded drones will also be able to carry out electronic warfare and surveillance missions. Project Cheetah is a significant project for the IAF as it will significantly enhance the capabilities of its UAV fleet. The upgraded drones will be able to carry out a wider range of missions, including precision strikes against enemy targets. This will give the IAF a significant advantage in future conflicts.
The project is also significant for the Indian defence industry as it will help to develop the country’s indigenous UAV capabilities. The IAF is planning to award the contract for the project to an Indian defence firm, which will help to boost the country’s defence manufacturing sector. Project Cheetah is expected to be completed by 2025.
Precision strikes: The upgraded Heron UAVs will be equipped precision-guided missiles especially the Spice-1000 and Spice-2000, which will allow them to carry out precision strikes against enemy targets. This will be a major boost to the IAF’s capabilities in this area, as it will allow them to target enemy positions with greater accuracy and less collateral damage.
Surveillance: The upgraded drones will also be able to carry out surveillance missions, which will allow the IAF to gather intelligence on enemy movements and activities. This information can be used to plan and execute operations, and to assess the effectiveness of those operations.
Electronic warfare: The upgraded drones will also be able to carry out electronic warfare missions, which will allow them to jam enemy communications and radar systems. This will degrade the enemy’s ability to operate effectively, and make it easier for the IAF to carry out its own operations.
There also plays the possibility of sync-use of the Herons and the Indian-origin UAVs for specific mission roles.
Impact Of This Mega Predator-B Deal and Long-run Thoughts?
- The Tapas and Ghatak will likely become the backbone of India’s drone surveillance system and will cut down costs a lot once up and running in mass production. Being indigenously developed, Indian alternatives are much cheaper and will save India a major percentage of money from the fields of long-term maintenance, upgrades, logistics, armament upgrades, ToT (transfer-of-technology) cost for home-base upgrades etc.
- Being solely developed with keeping Indian military demands in mind, our indigenous drones can be better and faster tweaked as needed according to mission profiles. India will be creating a benchmark of its own once the full-scale Ghatak successfully tests out its weapons and endurance limit and our country will be a name among the few in creating a stealthy UCAV with the latest contemporary technology equally capable in recon, combat and electronic warfare.
- However there is no denying that the MQ-9 have 15 years of combat-deployed experience and has accumulated over 1 million flight hours. No matter how much India goes ahead in indigenous development, the Hunter-Killer MQ series will also go ahead in its technological upgrades.
- India has been null and void till now regarding capabilities in drone warfare and will still be out of the game for a considerable amount of time given the progress of UCAV/UAV projects of our own. Keeping in mind the current global state of tensions and unrest, this predator deal will certainly keep India ahead in terms of maintaining a balance of power in the South Asian region. Unless the Predators are considered, India sits at zero UCAVs while Pakistan have their Burraq and TAI Anka and China keeps playing with their Sharp Sword, GJ-2 Eagle Strike, WZ-7 Soaring Dragon etc. Moreover they will prove very efficient in maintaining cross-border warfare and tracking terror-group movements in border regions. The presence of the MQ-9B Predator in the Indian arsenal acts as a deterrent against potential adversaries, as its surveillance and strike capabilities demonstrate India’s military readiness.
As big as this big-billion dollar deal gets, Indian govt. have really made a costly (although the negotiation for the final cost is not begun yet), but bold decision to move on with our drone warfare capability. Our main issue lies in the fact that India still lies a long mile behind than other competent military super powers and it indeed will take some more time for our troops with the controllers to get hold of an indigenous automotive hellfire. As reliable as MQ9s are, this 31 UAV-deal is expected to be very much efficient and sustainable for India as we get hold of a combat-proven menace yet our indigenous efforts carry on their work to make Tapas, Rustom, Ghatak etc. roll out combat-ready. The MQ-9Bs have an expected service life of upto 2035 according to US military. Keeping weapons as long as they can continue in a sustained and well-maintained fashion has been a trend for India which means they might last even longer for our Armed Forces. The Ghatak which truly falls under a complete comparison of the Predator-B will likely be very much under continued mass production by 2030 since 2025 is the expected for the full-scale prototype testing. With drones like Tapas, Rustom etc. keeping their eyes on the prize for combat outbreak in the mountainous borders while the Predator-B and the Ghatak join forces to bring the rain in any expected serious conflict will sure help a lot as India’s frontline military and special forces won’t have to risk entry in restricted areas. Obviously once the this decade gets away, it will be much more cost effective to induct more and more Indian indigenous drones in our inventory but having the mixed fruit punch of India’s indigenous inventions and the MQ-9’s raw combat effectiveness and reliability will not stop being a smack in the face of some neighbours especially Pakistan and China.
