By N. C. Bipindra

New Delhi: American defence company General Atomics Global Corporation chief executive Dr. Vivek Lall, in an exclusive conversation with Defence Capital, shared rare insights into India’s landmark MQ-9B programme, industrial partnerships, and the future of unmanned systems collaboration between New Delhi and Washington.

The interview comes at a crucial moment for India’s defence modernisation, with the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones, expanding maritime Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and growing industrial partnerships under Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Speaking on the progress of the USD 3-billion MQ-9B deal signed last year, Dr. Lall confirmed that manufacturing for India’s drones has already begun.

While both the Indian and the US governments govern the delivery schedule under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, he said the system’s capability will redefine India’s operational reach.

“When you can fly for 30 hours or more, you can cover huge distances and gather intelligence like nothing else. No other platform of any kind can perform like the MQ-9B,” he said, calling the aircraft a game-changer for tri-service operations.

On the ongoing lease of MQ-9 SeaGuardian drones, Dr. Lall praised the Navy-GA operational synergy, noting that the service has deployed the platform at full potential. India-specific configurations and upgrades, however, remain a matter for the Government of India to specify.

While declining to reveal revenue projections, Dr. Lall confirmed that the company is fully aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision. GA is already integrating Indian suppliers and content onto its unmanned systems and expanding partnerships across platforms.

A major milestone is the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GA turbo-prop engine MRO collaboration in Bengaluru, which will support long-term sustainment of India’s MQ-9B fleet.

Dr. Lall revealed that the recently announced GA-ASI partnership with Larsen & Toubro is designed to manufacture unmanned systems in India. Under the arrangement, L&T will lead the Ministry of Defence’s Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) bid, while GA provides core technology, paving the way for deep localisation and long-term Indo-US defence cooperation.

GA is currently negotiating the finer details of technology transfer, Dr. Lall said, highlighting that a significant portion of components and high-value content will come from the Indian industry, similar to GA’s industrial collaborations in Canada and the UK.

Dr. Lall said GA sees major opportunities for joint development with India in Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, quantum tech, cybersecurity, clean energy, and even space-based applications, signalling a broader technology partnership beyond RPAS.

While acknowledging challenges inherent in cross-border defence programmes, Dr. Lall said the strategic convergence between the US and India, the “world’s oldest and largest democracies”, provides stability and long-term alignment.

“India’s purchase of MQ-9B shows how well this collaboration can work,” he said.

About Dr. Vivek Lall

Dr. Vivek Lall, one of the most influential figures in the global aerospace and defence sector, continues to draw international attention for his leadership across unmanned systems, aviation policy, and advanced defence technologies.

Widely recognised for his roles in top US companies and advisory positions with governments, Dr. Lall has shaped major decisions in aerospace engineering, national security, and international business cooperation.

A US citizen with work experience spanning America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, Dr. Lall has held senior positions at General Atomics, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, contributing to breakthrough innovations in UAVs, next-generation aircraft, and nuclear fusion research.

His advisory work includes serving the US Cabinet Secretary, heading the Department of Transportation, and influencing global aviation policies.

Dr. Lall is also a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and holds board positions with the US Chamber of Commerce, US–India Business Council, and major international investment bodies.

His academic background includes a PhD from Kansas State University, an MBA from Washington University, and advanced aerospace qualifications.

A recipient of multiple honours, including the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the US, Dr. Lall is regarded as a key bridge between industry, government, and global security institutions, strengthening defence partnerships worldwide.

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