India’s defence partnership with Israel is not built on formalities but on trust earned in moments of crisis. When Indian soldiers fought the Kargil War in 1999, it was Israel that rushed UAVs and precision bombs within days.
Two decades later, during the Balakot airstrikes, Israeli targeting pods guided Indian bombs with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike flashy imports that take years to arrive, Israel’s systems have always been fast, reliable, and proven in battle.
In 2025, this bond has grown even stronger. Here are the Top 10 Israeli Defence Systems in India that continue to secure the nation’s future.
Barak-8 Missile Defence System: Israeli Technology in the Indian Navy
- Type: Long-range surface-to-air missile
- Range: 70–100 km
- Speed: Mach 2+
- Deployment: Navy destroyers, INS Vikrant, and Air Force bases
Importance for Indian Security:
When Indian warships sail through contested waters, their shield is the Barak-8, a missile defence system co-developed with Israel. Trusted by the Navy, it intercepts enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
In September 2025, fresh MRSAM trials proved its effectiveness across services, securing its role in India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra defence network.
Read more: Akash-Prime Air Defence System tested successfully by the Indian Army in Ladakh
Heron UAVs in India: Israeli Drones Guarding Borders
- Type: MALE UAV
- Endurance: 30–40 hours
- Ceiling: 35,000 ft
- Deployment: IAF, Army, Navy
Operational Role for India:
Over Ladakh’s peaks and the LoC’s rugged terrain, Heron UAVs act as India’s silent eyes in the sky. Used by all three services, they provide round-the-clock border surveillance.
In July 2025, India approved new Heron MK2 and armed Heron TP drones with Spike missiles, adding precision-strike capability alongside intelligence gathering.
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HAROP Loitering Munition: Israeli Suicide Drone for Indian Air Force
- Type: Loitering munition (suicide drone)
- Range: Around 1,000 km
- Warhead: 23 kg
- Deployment: Multiple IAF squadrons
Impact on Indian Defence:
The HAROP loitering munition is India’s silent hunter in the skies. Able to circle over battle zones and dive onto enemy radars with precision, it offers a cost-effective way to suppress air defences.
For India, HAROP clears the path for fighters to operate safely in contested zones, reducing risks to pilots and aircraft.
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SPYDER Air Defence System India: Protecting Skies with Israeli Missiles
- Type: Short and medium-range SAM system
- Range: 15–35 km
- Reaction time: 4–5 seconds
- Deployment: Western border and vital Air Force bases
Operational Role for India:
The SPYDER missile system in India is a rapid shield against hostile aircraft and drones. Its quick reaction time makes it vital for protecting airbases and border regions.
With Pakistan expanding drone operations and China deploying UAVs in Tibet, SPYDER now forms a critical layer of India’s air defence network.
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Phalcon AWACS in the Indian Air Force: Israeli Radar Advantage
- Type: Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
- Radar Range: 400 km
- Platform: IL-76 with Israeli radar suite
- Deployment: Three in the IAF service
Relevance for Indian Air Superiority:
The Phalcon AWACS is the Indian Air Force’s flying radar, able to track threats deep inside enemy territory. It proved its worth during the 2019 Balakot strikes, guiding Indian fighters with real-time intelligence.
In 2025, while India explores new AWACS platforms, Phalcon remains the IAF’s most reliable eye in the sky.
Green Pine Radar India: Israeli Support for Missile Defence
- Type: Long-range tracking radar
- Detection range: 500 km
- Deployment: India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
Importance for Indian Security:
The Green Pine radar in India is a cornerstone of the nation’s missile defence shield. Capable of tracking long-range threats, it strengthens India’s ability to intercept ballistic missiles.
With Pakistan’s Shaheen series advancing and China testing hypersonic weapons, Green Pine provides the early warning India cannot afford to miss.
EL/M-2052 AESA Radar: Israeli Upgrade for Tejas and Jaguars
- Type: AESA radar
- Range: 150+ km
- Deployment: Jaguars (DARIN-III), Tejas Mk1A
Contribution to Indian Air Combat:
The EL/M-2052 AESA radar in India transforms fighters into advanced hunters, with multi-target tracking and electronic warfare capability. As Tejas Mk1A begins induction in 2025, this radar gives India’s indigenous fleet the cutting-edge combat power needed to match modern adversaries.
Litening Targeting Pod India: Israeli Precision for Air Strikes
- Type: Precision targeting pod
- Range: 50+ km detection
- Deployment: Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas
Use in Combat Missions:
The Litening pod in India turns fighters into precision strike platforms, enabling laser-guided attacks with pinpoint accuracy. It proved its value during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, guiding bombs onto terror camps. In 2025, upgraded pods are being fitted across the IAF fleet to support India’s new-generation smart weapons.
Tavor Assault Rifles in India: Israeli Weapons for Special Forces
- Type: Bullpup assault rifle
- Calibre: 5.56×45mm NATO
- Deployment: Para SF, Garud, MARCOS, NSG
Operational Role in Counter-Terrorism:
The Tavor rifle in India is trusted by special forces for its compact design and reliability. Used in Kashmir and anti-insurgency missions, it remains a dependable weapon for elite commandos.
Derby Missile India: Israeli BVR Edge for Indian Fighters
- Type: BVR missile
- Range: 50–70 km
- Deployment: Tejas fighters, SPYDER air defence
Impact on Indian Aerial Combat:
The Derby missile in India gives the IAF a first-shot advantage in dogfights. Integrated on Tejas fighters and SPYDER systems, it helps secure air dominance against Pakistani and Chinese aircraft.
Comparative Table of Israeli Defence Systems in India
| System | Type | Range / Capability | Deployment | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barak-8 | LR-SAM | 70–100 km, Mach 2+ | Navy, IAF | Protects ships & bases |
| Heron UAV | MALE Drone | 35,000 ft, 40 hrs | IAF, Army, Navy | Border surveillance |
| HAROP Drone | Loitering Munition | 1,000 km strike | IAF | Neutralises radars |
| SPYDER | SAM | 15–35 km | Borders | Quick defence |
| Phalcon AWACS | AEW&C | 400 km coverage | IAF | Early warning |
| Green Pine | Radar | 500 km tracking | BMD | Missile defence |
| EL/M-2052 | AESA Radar | 150 km+ | Jaguars, Tejas | Air combat edge |
| Litening Pod | Targeting Pod | 50+ km detection | Fighters | Precision strikes |
| Tavor Rifles | Assault Rifle | CQB | SF, Garud | Counter-terror ops |
| Derby Missile | BVR Missile | 50–70 km | Tejas, SPYDER | Air dominance |
Why Israeli Defence Systems Are Vital for India
- Countering China and Pakistan: Provide an immediate technological edge.
- Proven in combat: Tested in real wars, trusted by Indian forces.
- Timely supply: Israel has supported India in every crisis, from Kargil to Balakot.
- Technology transfer: Barak-8 demonstrates true co-development with DRDO.
- Bridge to Atmanirbhar Bharat: These systems secure India while indigenous projects mature.
My Perspective
From my viewpoint, Israel’s defence cooperation is one of India’s wisest strategic choices. These systems are not just imports but force multipliers that give India an edge in real battles. Barak-8 missiles safeguard our warships, Heron drones scan Ladakh’s skies, and Tavor rifles empower our commandos; each directly strengthens national security.
As India moves ahead with indigenous projects like AMCA and Ghatak UCAV, Israeli systems provide the bridge of readiness, ensuring our forces stay prepared today while building for tomorrow. Tested in crises and built on trust, this partnership will remain a cornerstone of India’s security in 2025 and beyond.