Aerospace

India to buy 31 Predator drones from the US for $3.5 bn

India has successfully negotiated a big contract to buy 31 Predator drones estimated to cost around $3.5 billion or almost Rs 29,000 crore. During the Prime Minister’s current state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24.

A scientific analysis by the tri-services integrated defense staff, which found that India would need this many drones to effectively monitor its adversaries in both peacetime and combat situations, served as the foundation for the decision to acquire these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

India is currently developing 5 UAVs that it plans to use in the future.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Predators, also known as the MQ-9 Reaper, can fly for up to 36 hours straight and are employed for targeted surveillance of any target or region of interest. Up to 31 Predator drones, which India will shortly purchase from the US, would be operated by the three services collectively.

According to the officer, these drones will be put together in India through a partnership between Indian businesses and drone manufacturer General Atomics, which will produce some components here. The officer said, “The current figure for this is 8 to 9 percent, but there is potential to raise it to 15 to 20 percent.”

This Guy Created a Personal Helicopter at Home by Joining 54 drones together. (Opens in a new browser tab)

In order to serve nations like Australia and Japan as well, General Atomics will establish a comprehensive and cost-effective maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. Within a period of one to two years the contract’s signing, India hopes to introduce the first 10 MQ-9B drones, depending on General Atomics’ production capacity. Every six months, remaining drones will be introduced in batches.

The MQ-9B Reaper drones have strike missiles that can completely and accurately destroy enemy targets, making them high-altitude, long-endurance drones. In addition, these drones will be used for long-range surveillance around the nation’s borders and in its marine regions. For long-range, precise strikes, the drones are fitted with air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.