India vs Israel: Top 10 Defense Collaborations Explained

The India–Israel defense partnership has become one of the most robust bilateral security relationships in the 21st century. Over the last three decades, Israel has emerged as one of India’s top defense suppliers, offering high-end technology, intelligence cooperation, and battlefield-tested solutions. In return, India provides Israel with a large defense market and strategic geopolitical alignment in Asia.

Here are the top 10 defense collaborations between India and Israel, explaining their strategic importance, technological scope, and operational utility.

1. Barak Missile Systems

What It Is:

The Barak missile family includes the Barak-1, Barak-8, and Barak MX systems—developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s DRDO.

Importance:

• Barak-8 is a long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system.
• Deployed by the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Army.
• Can intercept aerial threats up to 100 km.

Key Feature: Provides 360° air defense against aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

2. Heron and Searcher UAVs

What It Is:

The Heron and Searcher are MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAVs used for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) operations.

Importance:

• India has acquired dozens of Heron and Searcher drones.
• Operated by Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Enhanced India’s border surveillance, especially along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) and LoC (Line of Control).

Future Upgrade: Heron TP armed version under acquisition with longer endurance and strike capability.

3. SPYDER Air Defense System

What It Is:

SPYDER (Surface-to-Air Python and Derby) is a quick-reaction air defense system.

Importance:

• Provides short and medium-range interception.
• Deployed for point defense of strategic assets.
• Used to protect airbases and critical military infrastructure from aerial threats.

Feature: Launches Python-5 and Derby missiles with lock-on-before/after-launch capabilities.

4. Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)

What It Is:

EL/W-2090 Phalcon radar integrated on Russian IL-76 aircraft.

Importance:

• Provides 360° aerial surveillance.
• Core of India’s airborne early warning capability.
• Tracks multiple targets up to 500 km, supporting air dominance missions.

Strength: One of the most advanced AWACS platforms in Asia.

5. DRDO–IAI MR-SAM Joint Development

What It Is:

A joint project between DRDO and IAI to develop the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM).

Importance:

• Designed for IAF, Navy, and Army variants.
• Can engage multiple targets simultaneously.
• Boosts India’s indigenous missile ecosystem.

Status: Deployed across multiple airbases and field formations.

6. Harop Loitering Munitions

What It Is:

The Harop is a loitering munition (suicide drone) designed by Israel Aerospace Industries.

Importance:

• Acquired by India for precision strikes on enemy radar installations and bunkers.
• Autonomously loiters over a battlefield, locks on to RF signals, and dives into the target.

Effectiveness: Ideal for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions.

7. EL/M-2032 Radar and AESA Systems

What It Is:

Israel’s EL/M radar series are advanced fire-control and surveillance radars.

Importance:

• EL/M-2032 integrated on HAL Tejas Mk1A.
• Also forms the basis of Uttam AESA radar under DRDO.

Impact: Strengthens India’s fighter radar capabilities and indigenous R&D.

8. Tavor, Galil, and Negev Small Arms

What It Is:

Israel has supplied India with infantry weapons like:

• Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle
• Galil sniper rifle
• Negev light machine gun

Importance:

• Used by special forces, paramilitary, and counter-terror units.
• Tavor rifles used in operations like surgical strikes across LoC.

Recent Update: India to locally produce Negev NG7 LMGs under Make in India.

9. IAI–BEL Joint Ventures

What It Is:

Israel Aerospace Industries and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have established joint ventures to manufacture electronic warfare, radar, and defense communication systems in India.

Importance:

• Facilitates technology transfer and local manufacturing.
• Supports self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Strategic Edge: Strengthens India’s EW and command & control infrastructure.

10. Intelligence Sharing & Counter-Terrorism

What It Is:

Deep cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, real-time intelligence sharing, and training.

Importance:

• Shared experiences post-Mumbai 26/11 attacks.
• Regular joint training exercises and intelligence exchanges on regional threats.

Benefit: Israel’s battle-hardened counter-terrorism strategies bolster India’s internal security apparatus.

Strategic Summary