India To Strike Deal With US For 30 Armed Drones Currently, India’s drones can only be used for surveillance and reconnaissance but the addition of armed drones will add to India’s military capabilities. AP/PTI Outlook Web Bureau 2021-03-10T10:08:14+05:30 India To Strike Deal With US For 30 Armed Drones outlookindia.com 2021-03-10T10:09:51+05:30 Amid rife tensions with China and Pakistan, India plans to buy 30 armed drones from the US in order to boost its defence. According to officials, India will approve in April the $3 billion purchase of 30 MQ-9B Predator drones manufactured by San Diego-based General Atomics.