India plans to acquire Israeli drones, missiles and laser defence systems as PM Modi’s visit nears, aiming to build an impregnable air defence shield against missile and drone threats
India is moving to significantly boost its military capabilities by purchasing advanced drones, long-range missiles, and laser-based defence systems from Israel, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a crucial visit expected to deepen strategic defence cooperation.
The planned acquisitions come as India pushes to build what officials describe as an “impregnable” multi-layered air defence shield capable of countering missiles, drones and aerial threats, especially from Pakistan.
India’s interest in Israeli defence technology spans multiple high-end systems, including combat drones, precision missiles and directed-energy weapons.
A key focus is Israel’s cutting-edge laser defence system, known as the Iron Beam, which uses high-energy laser bursts to intercept incoming threats like rockets, mortars and drones at extremely low operational cost.
While India’s own Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 30-kilowatt laser weapon prototype, Israel’s operational Iron Beam system is significantly more powerful, offering faster response times and greater interception capability. The technology could complement India’s broader air defence network and close gaps exposed during recent conflicts.
The defence cooperation is expected to be formalised during Modi’s two-day visit to Israel, where both countries are likely to sign a new memorandum of understanding to expand military collaboration, technology sharing, and joint development of advanced weapons systems.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the
growing relationship, saying, “The fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so that we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our govts and countries.”
He added, “We will create an entire system, essentially a ‘hexagon’ of alliances around or within the Middle East.”
Lessons from recent military operations
India’s push for Israeli systems comes after its military relied heavily on Israeli-origin weapons during Operation Sindoor. These included Rampage air-to-surface missiles, Harpy loitering munitions, and Harop kamikaze drones, which were used to strike terror infrastructure and military targets.
The experience reinforced the effectiveness of Israeli systems and accelerated plans to deepen defence integration.
India is also working on its indigenous multi-layered air defence programme, dubbed ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, aimed at protecting major cities and strategic installations from aerial threats by 2035. The programme will integrate advanced missile systems, artificial intelligence, sensors, and cyber defence technologies.
Israel has emerged as one of India’s top defence suppliers, with reports indicating arms deals worth $8.6 billion in 2026 alone. These include SPICE-1000 precision bombs, Rampage missiles with a range of 250 km, Air Lora ballistic missiles, and the IceBreaker missile system capable of striking targets up to 300 km away.
With drone warfare, missile threats, and modern aerial attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, India’s planned acquisitions from Israel could play a crucial role in strengthening its defensive capabilities.
End of Article
