Daily Current Affairs : 8-May-2024
In a strategic move to strengthen its protection capabilities, the Indian Army and Air Force have planned to deploy the advanced MQ-9B Predator drones at the Sarsawa and Gorakhpur air bases in Uttar Pradesh. These drones are expected to enhance India’s surveillance operations, particularly along its sensitive borders with China and Pakistan, and in the Indian Ocean Region. Let’s explore the significance and capabilities of these drones in India’s defense strategy.
Key Features of the MQ-9B Predator Drones
The MQ-9B Predator drones, manufactured in the United States, are equipped with modern technology to improve surveillance and reconnaissance. Some of their notable features include:
- Long Flight Time: The drones can remain airborne for more than 36 hours, which makes them highly effective for prolonged surveillance missions.
- High Altitude Capability: They can reach altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, giving them the ability to monitor vast areas from high above.
- Dual Role: These drones can be used for both surveillance and airborne early warning, making them versatile in military operations.
Role in Strengthening Border Surveillance
The deployment of the MQ-9B drones will significantly enhance India’s ability to monitor its borders, especially with China. These drones will provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), which is crucial for detecting any movements or activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Additionally, they can cover vast distances, providing insights into activities across the Indian Ocean Region.
Variants of the MQ-9B Drone
The MQ-9B Predator comes in two variants:
- SkyGuardian: This model is primarily used by the Indian Navy and can fly for over 40 hours in all weather conditions, making it ideal for continuous monitoring.
- SeaGuardian: Similar in capability, this version is more suited for maritime surveillance and can also assist in anti-piracy operations.
Contributions to National Security
The MQ-9B drones are not just tools for monitoring; they have been instrumental in various global operations, particularly in anti-piracy missions. In India, these drones will play a pivotal role in enhancing the defense preparedness of the armed forces, providing them with a significant advantage in terms of strategic surveillance and operational readiness.
Important Points:
Deployment of MQ-9B Drones: Indian Army and Air Force to deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at Sarsawa and Gorakhpur air bases in Uttar Pradesh.Purpose: Enhance surveillance along sensitive borders with China and Pakistan, and improve monitoring in the Indian Ocean Region.Key Features of MQ-9B Drones:
- Flight time of over 36 hours.
- Capable of reaching altitudes up to 40,000 feet.
- Dual role for surveillance and airborne early warning.
Significance for Border Surveillance:
- Real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
- Extended range for monitoring activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Variants of MQ-9B Drone:
- SkyGuardian: Used by the Indian Navy, capable of flying for over 40 hours in all weather conditions.
- SeaGuardian: Suited for maritime surveillance and anti-piracy operations.
Contributions to National Security:
- MQ-9B drones enhance India’s defense preparedness by providing strategic surveillance and operational readiness.
- Instrumental in global anti-piracy missions, now being adapted for national defense.
Why In News
The Indian Army and Air Force plan to deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at Sarsawa and Gorakhpur air bases in Uttar Pradesh to enhance surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, strengthening India’s ability to monitor and respond to any potential security threats in the region.
MCQs about MQ-9B Drones
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What is the primary purpose of deploying MQ-9B Predator drones at Sarsawa and Gorakhpur air bases?
A. To monitor anti-piracy activities
B. To enhance surveillance along the Line of Actual Control with China
C. To assist in disaster management operations
D. To conduct long-distance airstrikes
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What is one of the key capabilities of the MQ-9B Predator drones?
A. They can remain airborne for more than 36 hours.
B. They are capable of conducting night airstrikes.
C. They have a maximum flight altitude of 10,000 feet.
D. They are designed only for anti-piracy missions.
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Which variant of the MQ-9B Predator drone is used by the Indian Navy for continuous monitoring?
A. SeaGuardian
B. SkyGuardian
C. AirGuardian
D. SeaHawk
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How will the MQ-9B Predator drones contribute to India’s defense strategy?
A. By providing real-time surveillance along the borders with China and Pakistan.
B. By assisting in military operations in foreign countries.
C. By focusing solely on land-based military activities.
D. By replacing traditional fighter jets.
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