New Delhi: In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day trip to Israel scheduled for February 25-26, India aims to strengthen its strategic relations and defence collaboration, focusing on co-developing anti-ballistic missile defences, laser weapons, and extended-range stand-off missiles and drones.
Although an MoU on security cooperation is anticipated between the nations, no specific defence agreements will be formalized, as the bilateral defence partnership remains a continuous effort between close partners, projected to reach approximately USD 10 billion in value over the coming years.
Sources indicate that Israel has committed to providing India with advanced defence technologies, including highly desired high-tech laser defences and other remote systems areas where sharing was limited in previous years.
This broadened cooperation builds on the groundwork established during Defence Secretary RK Singh’s visit to Israel in November, which resulted in an MoU for enhanced defence ties.
India is particularly interested in partnering with Israel on anti-ballistic missile defences as part of Mission Sudershan, aimed at safeguarding the Indian mainland from long-range enemy missiles. Announced by PM Modi, this initiative is central to India’s ballistic missile protection strategy. Israel excels in this domain with its long-range Arrow, medium-range David’s Sling, and short-range Iron Dome systems, which demonstrated effectiveness by intercepting 98% of ballistic missiles launched by Iran in June.
Additionally, India seeks to acquire long-range missiles and loitering munitions capable of deployment from air, ground, or sea platforms beyond adversary air defences. During Operation Sindoor, India deployed Rampage missiles, Palm 400, Harpy, and Harop kamikaze munitions against Pakistani targets, effectively neutralizing Chinese-supplied air defences with strikes reaching as far as Islamabad. In this sector, India plans to procure Spice 1000 glide bombs, Rampage air-to-surface missiles used in Operation Sindoor, Air Lora air-launched ballistic missiles, and the long-range Ice Breaker system. The Indian Navy is also eyeing the extended-range Barak surface-to-air missile to shield its vessels from aerial and surface threats.
With PM Modi’s strong rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both countries align on various political matters and maintain a unified stance against terrorism. The visit will include discussions on science and technology, agriculture, clean water initiatives, and advanced quantum computing.
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