Strategic Convergence: How Israel’s Drone and Anti-Terror Technologies Empower India

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Policy Update
Charu Singh

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The deepening of India-Israel Defence ties. Observer Research Foundation. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-deepening-of-india-israel-defence-ties

Background

As India is trying to advance its security and technological self-reliance, India-Israel cooperation in anti-terror and drone technology is deepening. These relations formally go back to the 1990s, when diplomatic and defence relations between India and Israel began growing steadily. Their cooperation around defence technologies and counterterrorism led to key agreements like the Bilateral Innovation Agreement (BIA) signed in November 2021, with the objective of joint R&D in areas such as drones, robotics, AI, and dual-use technologies. This agreement was funded and supported directly by both governments and was given strategic oversight by DRDO and Israel’s Directorate of Defence Research and Development.

Functioning

Joint research, co-development and technology transfer for anti-terror applications form the base of this collaboration’s functioning. The products and technologies under this entail drones, surveillance systems and AI-enabled solutions, made while keeping in mind the domestic requirements. This arrangement is not only funded by both nations, but various experts are also brought together from both  countries regularly through institutional frameworks like working groups and innovation funds.

This helps in accelerating the results while also promoting indigenous manufacturing. Israel’s efforts in this collaboration have been helping India modernise its security apparatus through sharing advance anti-terror technology. Israel supplies electronic warfare tools, advanced surveillance radars and cybersecurity solutions. Certain components like joint research projects in areas like AI, data analysis and counter infiltration techniques and training of Indian army personnel in Israel, are central to this partnership. 

Performance

This agreement significantly helped the Indian armed forces by the effective deployment of Israeli drones procured and inducted from the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Kashmir during high-profile incidents like the Balakot air strike.  Moreover, India’s air defence and command capabilities have been enhanced owing to the co-developed Barak-8 missile system and radar integration.

These technologies have become a force multiplier for India’s border security and surveillance. For example, the Heron, a long-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capable of more than 50 hours of flight, is crucially useful in intelligence gathering in areas like Ladakh and Kashmir. This partnership also contributed to transforming India’s airspace dominance and situational awareness by assisting India in coming up with its first Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), made possible through the integration of the Phalcon radar. 

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India to receive armed Heron drones from Israel. The Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/india-to-receive-armed-heron-drones-from-israel-486016

Impact

Through the use of Israeli drones and radar platforms, the real time border and coastal surveillance have substantially contributed to better security, reduced chances of infiltration and facilitated rapid response to threats. India also successfully promoted Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) through technology transfer, co-development and indigenous manufacturing, hence reducing import dependency while also kick-starting defence sector domestic production. Indian facilities are now producing and adapting Israeli-origin technologies, generating local employment, enabling skills development, and knowledge transfer.  

Moreover, the joint venture of the Barak missile family has revolutionized India’s naval and air defense posture. Via DRDO and IAI collaboration, the Barak-8 Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) and Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems have been successfully deployed across the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy to deter aerial threats. Furthermore, there has been substantial progress in counterterror strategies through bilateral meetings and summits on tech-enabled anti-terror solutions and information sharing. This indicates that Israel and India’s counterterror synergy goes beyond just hardware.

Emerging issues

Although this partnership has contributed in many ways, certain systemic challenges persist. Even though we have managed to import advanced technology, it’s still a challenge to customise it to fit India’s unique operational environment. This requires consistent investment and advanced technical support to ensure seamless adaptation of the technologies in UAVs, missile defence, and AI analytics.  

Moreover, as there is a lot of transfer of technology and data, as well as adoption of cyber and surveillance tools, it is crucial to ensure transparent oversight and data sovereignty. This would need to be thoroughly executed through regulatory measures and privacy protections. According to government sources, there is an ongoing dialogue about balancing national security with fundamental rights while conforming to international laws and standards. In addition to all of the above, certain threats are ever evolving. Terror threats are dynamic in nature ranging from unmanned aerial attacks to cyberattacks which would require continuous innovation and upgrades as well as sustained funding for R&D.

Way forward

It’s evident through the various joint statements and press releases that both the nations plan to expand and deepen their bilateral ties. Recent bilateral discussions have also highlighted that the future focus is going to be AI-oriented, around quantum technology next next-generation drone platforms and energy-efficient security systems. There will also be more regularised review meetings to address hurdles in procurement and adaptation.

There would also be a holistic security approach which integrates cyber, space, maritime, and traditional defense platforms. This ensures readiness for future multidimensional security challenges. The Israel-India defense and anti teror technology cooperation is  dynamic, evolving partnership built on pragmatic operational synergies, industrial growth, and strategic trust. This partnership is pivotal in securing India’s borders, strengthening counter terror strategies while building on India’s objective of defence self-reliance. 

References

About the Contributor: Charu Singh is currently pursuing her postgraduate degree in Political Science (Honours) from Gargi College, University of Delhi. She is a research intern at IMPRI.

Acknowledgement: The author expresses her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team, Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and Ms. Bhaktiba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.  

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