Summary India is not a member of missile technology group
LAHORE (Web Desk) – India is eyeing purchase of unmanned air crafts from the United States (US) which can target every square inch of Pakistan and across its borders as well.
Bloomberg has acquired a copy of a formal request forwarded by Indian Air Force (IAF) dispatched in September. The letter was written to the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. If the transaction goes through, India will become one of the first countries to buy the casually called ‘killing machines’, Predator Avenger drones.
It should also be mentioned here that India was the second largest arms importing country from the US in 2014. Analysts have termed the Avengers breakthrough in the region with three nuclearized states a significant turn in the strategic dynamics.
“Within a few years India has embraced U.S. weapons,” said Siemon Wezeman, a researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Bloomberg stated that the Avengers can fly for 18 hours, carry 3,500 pounds of munitions and reach an altitude of 50,000 feet.
On the other hand, the General Atomics authorities said that although they are aware of India’s interest in Avengers however, the country is not a member of Missile Technology group. The group comprises of as many as 34 members and can trade modern warfare technologies.
A recent meeting of the group concluded in October and India was not named a member.
If and when India becomes a member of the group it would be not be as easy as it seems. The State Department would have to get the request approved by the Congress.
The Congress has revised its policy towards drones supply to allies. Moreover, India would be bound to use the Avengers as per the international law. A similar proposed sale to Italy of another family of drones has seen the said hindrances after the authorities are willing to go through the transaction.
However, hand on Avengers by India is not the same as Italy due to India-Pakistan tensions and the fact the countries have fought at least four wars since separation.
Earlier, Pakistan had successfully launched its Burraq drones which killed at least three high-profile terrorists in first flight in early September. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Burraq can target both moving and stationary targets and is indigenously manufactured.
The drone was a major accomplishment for ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb against militants and country s war on terror.
The article originally appeared here: India Seeks Armed Drones From U.S. in Challenge to Pakistan
