Technical Glitch Causes MQ-9B Predator Drone Crash Off Chennai Coast

An MQ-9B Predator drone operated by the Indian Navy crashed off Chennai due to power generator and battery failures. The drone, leased from an American firm, was deliberately ditched to avoid ground damage. A detailed report has been requested from the manufacturer.

Last week, an MQ-9B Predator drone under the operation of the Indian Navy crashed off the Chennai coast due to failures in its power generators and batteries. The drone, managed by an American firm, had to be deliberately ditched over the sea to prevent potential damage on ground, according to defence sources.

Defence officials reported that the technical issues arose mid-flight, making it necessary to safely navigate the drone to a controlled ditching point over the sea. The drone's crash led to its loss as it descended into the waters, confirmed sources.

The Navy further stated that the MQ-9B Predator, on a routine surveillance mission from INS Rajali, Arakkonam, encountered a malfunction that could not be resolved during its flight at approximately 1400 hours. This led to a deliberate ditching off Chennai, with a detailed report now sought from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Leased from General Atomics under a special agreement, the drones are flown by vendor pilots, and the Indian Navy only pays for the provided services. The Navy has now requested a comprehensive accident report from the vendors to ascertain further details.

(With inputs from agencies.)