India spent $ 3 billion to buy American planes to monitor the Chinese border

India today On September 23, citing sources, India plans to buy 30 Reaper MQ-9A drones from the US, worth approximately $ 3 billion.

According to the SputnikIndia intends to use these aircraft in the border areas with China, as well as on strategic waterways.

The deal has been planned by India for the past 3 years. The United States is currently India’s second largest arms exporter, after Russia.

The drone purchase agreement is expected to receive approval at the next Defense Procurement Council (DAC) meeting, led by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

The MQ-9 Reaper is known as the “killer from the sky” and is currently one of America’s leading drones. This aircraft is used in reconnaissance missions and to attack targets with high precision weapons.

The MQ-9 Reaper is currently equipped with an AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, a GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb, and an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.

The secret behind the MQ-9’s capabilities is the Raytheon-built C-type multispectral targeting system. With the modern photoelectronic sensor system, the MQ-9 can determine the missile in flight based on the amount of heat emitted at the beginning of the acceleration phase in flight, then return 3D data for missile interception system under ships of war.

According to David Alexander, president of General Atomics, the inventor of the MQ-9 aircraft, in the future the company will continue to launch a large Predator C ‘Avenger’ drone with the ability to collect. data anywhere in the world.

The six Reaper MQ-9A drones are expected to be purchased immediately and delivered to India within a few months, while the remaining 24 will be purchased within the next three years.

“The MQ-9A Reaper is controlled by satellite, can fly at an altitude of 13.7 km and carry out its mission continuously for 35 hours. The aircraft uses electronic and radar support measures to locate the opponent. The aircraft can operate anywhere, the Gulf of Aden, the Straits of Malacca or in eastern Ladakh, “said a senior Indian defense official.

Ladakh is an area where India and China are increasing tensions following the fight of 20 Indian soldiers in June. Both countries subsequently increased the mobilization of military equipment, sending troops. near the disputed area.

On September 10, India officially placed five French-made Rafale fighters in the 17th Squadron at Ambala airbase along the western border. These are the first five in a $ 9.4 billion deal to buy 36 French Rafales.

India buys and equips modern equipment amid increased tension with China in border areas. In early September, the armies of the two countries accused each other of provocative actions in the border area. The two sides opened fire for the first time in 45 years on the common border.

The senior commanders of the Chinese and Indian armies met on September 21 in the China-controlled area of ​​Moldo on the Line of Reality Control (LAC). The meeting is said to be aimed at resolving tensions in the common border area as a severe winter approaches.

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According to the Sputnik, India today