Question : Guardian UAVs

(a) whether the Government has signed a deal with United States (US) to buy unarmed multi-mission predator Guardian Unmanned Aerial vehicles that will boost the Indian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether this is the first significant progress after India’s entry into the exclusive Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and after the United States has designated India as a major defence partner and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the United States has agreed to expand their maritime security cooperation with India and build on the implementation of their “White Shipping” data sharing arrangement, which enhances collaboration on the maritime domain and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the US Government has offered to sell Apache attack helicopters, C-17 aircraft, F-16 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft to India and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto along with the defence deals signed by the Government during the year 2017 till date?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) No, Madam.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) India and the US are cooperating on maritime security issues, including on maritime domain awareness.

(d) Contracts for acquisition of Apache Attack Helicopters and C-17 aircraft were signed in September 2015 and June 2011 respectively.
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