Defence · GS3
MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems for the Navy
One line
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,943 crore contract to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems for 30 months.
Summary
The systems are intended to improve maritime domain awareness over the Indian Ocean Region. Persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance can help track vessels and changes at sea, but it also needs data links, analysts, interoperability, legal authority, and clear operating rules.
PYQ pattern
UPSC defence questions often test platforms through role, range, partner, and geography. Use the official UPSC archive.
Core notes
- High-altitude, long-endurance systems can remain airborne for long periods and cover large areas.
- Maritime domain awareness combines information from aircraft, ships, satellites, coastal sensors, and intelligence sources.
- Leasing can provide capability quickly while limiting a long-term ownership commitment, but it can create dependence on the lessor and support chain.
- Surveillance, targeting, and armed use are different mission categories. The release focused on awareness and ISR coverage.
Prelims lens
- ISR means intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
- RPAS is a remotely piloted aircraft system.
- Maritime domain awareness is wider than naval combat capability.
MCQ 1
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems were leased mainly to enhance:
- A. maritime domain awareness and ISR coverage
- B. crop irrigation
- C. railway ticketing
- D. urban waste collection
Reveal answerHide answer
A
PIB linked the systems to persistent surveillance and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region.
MCQ 2
Consider the following statements:
- Leasing and purchasing are identical ownership arrangements.
- Surveillance, targeting, and armed use are distinct mission categories.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
B
Leasing gives use under a contract without the same ownership structure as purchase. ISR is distinct from targeting or armed employment.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Why is maritime domain awareness important for India's security and blue economy interests?
Approach:
- Define MDA and ISR.
- Discuss shipping, fisheries, illegal activity, disasters, search and rescue, and naval awareness.
- Examine data fusion, satellite and aircraft dependence, privacy, escalation, and support costs.
- Recommend interoperable networks, coastal-state cooperation, trained analysts, and resilient indigenous systems.