By Chaitali Bag
The inauguration of the L3Harris Wescam Authorised Service Centre in India marks a significant milestone in the country’s defence sector, highlighting the strategic partnership between L3Harris, General Atomics, and Merlin Hawk. This collaboration is a testament to India’s growing focus on self-reliance and technological advancement in defence, aligning seamlessly with the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
At the core of this partnership is the enhancement of local capabilities for the MQ-9B platform, a state-of-the-art high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics. Renowned for its exceptional performance in land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and surface warfare, and precision strike capabilities, the MQ-9B is poised to bolster India’s defence preparedness. With advanced features such as automatic take-off and landing, long endurance of up to 40 hours, and a payload capacity of 5,670 kg, the MQ-9B represents cutting-edge technology in modern warfare.
The collaboration with Merlin Hawk strengthens India’s defence supply chain and promotes the integration of sovereign knowledge and local manufacturing. By fostering indigenous capabilities, this partnership sets a precedent for sustainable defence production models and positions India as a global player in advanced defence technology.
This initiative also comes at a time when India is set to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones as part of a landmark $4 billion deal with the United States, approved during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in 2023. The deal, facilitated by Dr. Vivek Lall, CEO of General Atomics Global Corporation, underscores the growing strategic ties between India and the US in defence cooperation.
The opening of the L3Harris Wescam Authorised Service Centre and the broader collaboration between L3Harris, General Atomics, and Merlin Hawk represent a transformative step for India’s defence ambitions. By advancing local manufacturing, promoting technological innovation, and strengthening international partnerships, India is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the global defence ecosystem.
