Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel from February 25, India is set to deepen strategic and defence cooperation, with focus on joint missile defence systems, laser weapons, and long-range stand-off capabilities.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel from February 25, New Delhi is set to significantly strengthen its strategic and defence partnership with Tel Aviv.
The cooperation is expected to include joint development of anti-ballistic missile defence systems, laser weapons, and long-range stand-off missiles and drones, says a report.
security cooperation framework
While no formal defence deals are expected to be signed during the visit, both sides are likely to conclude an MoU on security cooperation. Long-term collaboration between the two countries is being advanced, with cooperation estimated at around $10 billion in the coming years, according to a report in Hindustan Times.
The proposed agreement builds on groundwork laid during Defence Secretary RK Singh’s visit to Israel last November, when an expanded framework for defence cooperation was finalised.
Mission Sudershan gains momentum
India is particularly focused on jointly developing advanced anti-ballistic missile systems under Mission Sudershan, aimed at protecting Indian territory from long-range missile threats.
Israel’s expertise in layered missile defence across long-, medium-, and short-range systems positions it as a key partner. Its interception capabilities demonstrated in recent conflicts have reinforced this standing. In addition to missile defence, Israel has reportedly agreed to provide advanced technologies, including laser-based defence systems and high-precision stand-off weapons.
Focus on long-range strike capabilities
India is also pursuing long-range strike capabilities, including air-, sea-, and ground-launched missiles, along with loitering munitions designed to penetrate sophisticated air defence networks. Recent operational use of such systems has highlighted their strategic value.
During Operation Sindoor, Indian forces deployed Rampage missiles along with Palm 400, Harpy, and Harop loitering ammunition to strike targets inside Pakistan, carrying out precision attacks that degraded Chinese-built air defence systems, with operations extending as far as Islamabad. Future acquisitions may include glide bombs, air-to-surface missiles, air-launched ballistic missiles, and extended-range naval air defence systems to strengthen fleet protection.
expanding cooperation beyond defence
Beyond defence, the visit is expected to expand cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, water management, and emerging sectors such as quantum computing.
With strong political alignment and shared positions on counterterrorism, both nations — facing persistent terror-related challenges — are expected to further consolidate their multifaceted partnership.
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