Taking note of alleged fake news regarding the forthcoming deal for 31 Predator armed drones between India and the US, Ministry of Defence on Sunday said some speculative reports that emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase have ulterior motives and are aimed at derailing the due acquisition process.
"Some speculative reports emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase (Of predator drones). These are uncalled for, have ulterior motives and are aimed at derailing the due acquisition process. Price and other terms and conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. "In this regard, all are requested not to spread fake news and misinformation which can have serious impact on the morale of the Armed Forces and adversely impact the acquisition process," the statement added.
It said the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)on June 15 accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for tri-services from the USA through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. The AoN included the number of UAVs to be procured along with associated equipment.