General Atomics is pitching its advanced Gambit-2 loyal wingman unmanned combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as of December 17, 2025, building on the recent MQ-9B SeaGuardian contract signed in November 2025 for 31 drones. The stealthy, Mach 0.85-speed platform, designed for high-intensity air-to-air combat, offers integration with India’s indigenous Astra Mk2 and Mk3 missiles, enabling it to team with Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and future AMCA fighters for extended missile capacity and contested airspace operations. Featuring 60-70% “Make in India” production via local partners and shared MQ-9B infrastructure, the proposal minimizes risks while advancing IAF’s collaborative combat aircraft roadmap against indigenous HAL CATS Warrior efforts. From an Indian strategic lens, this bolsters air superiority over China and Pakistan by 2030, joining elite CCA nations amid rising regional drone threats.