India-Israel Defense Synergy

 India-Israel Defense Synergy: A Decade of Innovation and a Future of Strategic Power

The India-Israel defense partnership has evolved into a strategic powerhouse, with Israel as India’s fourth-largest arms supplier, exporting $1.5–2 billion annually in drones, missiles, radars, small arms, and avionics for Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets. India, Israel’s top arms market, imports systems like Barak-8, Hermes 900, Tavor rifles, and Litening pods, while co-producing them via joint ventures (JVs) like Adani-Elbit and KRAS. Israel imports $2.32 billion in diamonds, petroleum, chemicals, and Hermes 900 drones from India. From $4.2 billion in arms trade (2001–2021) to $10.77 billion in total trade (2022–23), the partnership thrives on technology transfer, joint R&D in AI and cyber, and shared threats like terrorism and China. By 2030, expect $15 billion in trade, expanded co-production, and space-tech collaboration, despite ethical and geopolitical challenges.

Let’s talk about the India-Israel defense partnership—a dynamic alliance that’s reshaping modern warfare with high-tech solutions and shared strategic goals. Over the past decade, this relationship has grown from a simple buyer-seller setup to a robust collaboration involving co-production, technology transfer, and even upgrades to India’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets. It’s a story of drones, missiles, avionics, and a shared vision to counter global threats. Here’s the full picture: what Israel exports to India (including Su-30 upgrades), what India sends back, their joint production efforts, how these systems compare globally, how the partnership has evolved, and what’s on the horizon for 2030. Buckle up—it’s a thrilling ride.

Israel’s Defense Exports to India, Including Sukhoi Avionics

Israel’s defense industry, driven by powerhouses like Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a global leader, and India is its biggest customer, absorbing $2.9 billion in arms from 2012–2022 and $1.5–2 billion annually as of 2024, accounting for 37–46% of Israel’s arms exports. “India is our most strategic defense market,” says Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Defense Minister (2022). The exports cover a wide range, with a special role in upgrading India’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fleet. Here’s what India gets:

• Drones: Heron 1 (68 units, unarmed) and Searcher (108 units) for border surveillance, Harpy and SkyStriker for precision strikes, and Hermes 900 for multi-role missions. “Israel’s drones have transformed India’s ISR capabilities along the LAC,” notes Air Marshal Anil Chopra (2023).
• Missiles and Air Defense: Barak-8 (co-developed with DRDO, $2.6 billion deal in 2017), Spike ATGMs, Python-5, and Derby air-to-air missiles. “Barak-8 is critical for India’s naval and air defense,” says Admiral Karambir Singh, former Indian Navy Chief (2020).
• Radars and Sensors: EL/M-2080 Green Pine for missile defense, MF-STAR for naval platforms, and Litening G4 targeting pods. “Israeli radars give India an edge in multi-domain warfare,” per Dr. Laxman Behera, defense analyst (2022).
• Small Arms: Tavor (TAR-21/X95), Negev LMG, and Galil sniper rifles for special forces. “Tavor’s compact design is ideal for urban combat,” says Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia (2021).
• Cyber and Surveillance: Pegasus spyware (NSO Group, controversial) and border security systems. “Pegasus’s capabilities are unmatched, but its ethics are debated,” warns Pravin Sawhney, defense expert (2023).
• Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Avionics: Israel upgraded India’s ~260 Su-30 MKI jets with Litening G4 pods for precision targeting (used in the 2019 Balakot airstrike), EL/L-8222 or EL/M-2060P electronic warfare (EW) pods for radar jamming, helmet-mounted displays (possibly Elbit’s DASH), and integration of Python-5 and Derby missiles. “Israeli avionics made the Su-30 a multi-role powerhouse,” says Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (2019). The Super Sukhoi program (over $8 billion) includes mission computers, cockpit displays, and data-link systems for network-centric warfare. “These upgrades ensure the Su-30’s relevance for decades,” per Air Marshal R.K. Sharma (2023).

Israel’s reliability shines through, with no disruptions to India’s contracts even during the Gaza war (post-October 2023). “Israel’s commitment to India is unwavering,” says S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister (2024).

Israel’s Imports from India

While Israel sends cutting-edge weapons, India exports mostly non-defense goods, totaling $2.32 billion in FY 2023–24. “India’s trade with Israel is diversifying beyond traditional sectors,” says Ron Malka, former Israeli Ambassador (2020). Key imports include:

• Diamonds and Pearls: $174.42 million (April–October 2024), a trade dating back centuries.
• Petroleum and Chemicals: $5.5 billion in 2022–23, though disrupted in 2023–24 by Red Sea issues. “India’s energy exports are vital for Israel,” per Dr. Alon Levkowitz, Israeli analyst (2023).
• Engineering Goods: Machinery, electronics, and diesel ($338.52 million, April–October 2024).
• Defense: Hermes 900 drones, co-produced by Adani-Elbit, are exported to Israel (over 20 units). “India supplying drones to Israel is a game-changer,” says Rahul Bedi, defense journalist (2024).

This reverse defense trade highlights the partnership’s two-way street. “India’s exports to Israel show maturing ties,” notes Brig. Gurmeet Kanwal (2023).

Joint Ventures for India’s Use

India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives have fueled JVs with Israeli firms, producing weapons locally for India’s military and even exporting some back to Israel. “These JVs are central to India’s defense self-reliance,” says Rajnath Singh, India’s Defense Minister (2022). Key JVs include:

• Adani-Elbit (Hyderabad): Produces Hermes 900 (Drishti-10) drones for India’s Navy and Army, plus SkyStriker kamikaze drones. “This facility is a global benchmark,” says Gautam Adani (2023).
• PLR Systems (Gwalior): Manufactures Tavor, Negev, Galil, and ARBEL AI-based firing systems. “These are tailored for India’s counter-terrorism needs,” per Gen. Bipin Rawat, former Indian Army Chief (2020).
• Kalyani Rafael (KRAS, Hyderabad): Builds Spike ATGMs and Barak-8 SAMs ($100 million order, 2019). “KRAS is a missile production hub,” says Baba Kalyani (2022).
• IAI-BEL: Produces MRSAM (Barak-8 variant, $2.5 billion) and supports air defense. “This JV boosts India’s autonomy,” notes Dr. Anit Mukherjee (2021).
• IAI-HAL-Dynamatic: Manufactures drones and converts Boeing-767s into refuelers. “This enhances India’s aerospace edge,” per HAL chief R. Madhavan (2020).
• Elbit-Bharat Forge: Supplies artillery and munitions. “This strengthens India’s ground forces,” says Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda (2022).

These JVs produce systems primarily for India, with Hermes 900 exports to Israel. “Local production cuts costs and builds capability,” says Nirmala Sitharaman, former Defense Minister (2019).

Comparison with Best-in-Class Systems

How do Israel’s systems, including Su-30 avionics, compare to the world’s best? Let’s stack them up:

• Hermes 900 vs. MQ-9 Reaper (U.S.):
• Hermes 900: 36-hour endurance, 300 kg payload, ~$6–10 million. “Hermes is cost-effective for India’s needs,” says Air Marshal R.K. Sharma (2023).
• MQ-9: 40-hour endurance, 1,746 kg payload, armed, ~$30 million. “MQ-9’s firepower is superior, but cost is a barrier,” per Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (2022).
• Edge: Hermes 900’s local production wins for India.
• Barak-8 vs. Patriot PAC-3 (U.S.):
• Barak-8: 70–100 km range, ~$24 million/battery. “Barak-8’s versatility suits India’s threats,” says Rear Adm. Sudarshan Shrikhande (2021).
• Patriot: 180 km range, ~$1 billion/system. “Patriot’s range is unmatched, but overkill for India,” per Dr. Sameer Patil (2023).
• Edge: Barak-8’s cost and co-production favor India.
• Spike vs. Javelin (U.S.):
• Spike LR: 5.5 km range, ~$100,000/missile. “Spike’s range and versatility are key,” says Col. R.S. Yadav (2022).
• Javelin: 4 km range, ~$175,000/missile. “Javelin’s portability is great, but Spike’s range wins,” per Lt. Gen. Sanjay K. Pandey (2023).
• Edge: Spike’s local production is a plus.
• Tavor vs. SCAR-L (Belgium/U.S.):
• Tavor: 5.56mm, ~$1,000–2,000. “Tavor’s compact design fits urban combat,” says Maj. Gen. Anil Verma (2021).
• SCAR-L: 600 m range, ~$3,000. “SCAR’s ergonomics are top-notch, but Tavor’s cost is better,” per Nitin Gokhale (2022).
• Edge: Tavor’s local production wins.
• Litening G4 (Su-30) vs. Sniper ATP (U.S.):
• Litening G4: EO/IR, laser designation, ~$1.5 million. “Litening’s combat record in Balakot is proven,” says Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (2019).
• Sniper ATP: Similar capabilities, ~$2 million. “Sniper is advanced, but Litening’s integration with Su-30 is seamless,” per Dr. Laxman Behera (2022).
• Edge: Litening’s cost and compatibility favor India.

Partnership Growth (2015–2025)

This partnership has soared since 2015, with arms imports up 175% (2015–2019) and India taking 42.1% of Israel’s arms exports (2014–2022). “This is a strategic shift for India’s defense,” says Gen. V.K. Singh (2021). Milestones include:

• 2015–2019: $2.6 billion Barak-8 deal, Adani-Elbit JV (2016), KRAS (2017), and Su-30 avionics upgrades. “These JVs mark a new era,” says Dr. S. Paul Kapur (2018).
• 2020–2022: 2022 Vision on Defence Cooperation for AI, cyber, and quantum tech; joint drills post-Balakot. “The roadmap sets a 10-year plan,” per Benny Gantz, former Israeli Defense Minister (2022).
• 2023–2025: $7.8 billion Negev deal, Haifa Port acquisition ($1.18 billion). “Haifa strengthens economic-security ties,” says T.V. Narendran, Tata Steel CEO (2023).
• Quantitative: Arms trade hit $4.2 billion (2001–2021), total trade $10.77 billion (2022–23). “Trade growth is exponential,” notes Nir Barkat, Israel’s trade minister (2023).

Outlook (2025–2030)

The next five years promise deeper integration. “India and Israel will lead in AI and cyber,” predicts Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (2024). Expect:

• Co-Production: Expanded JVs for drones, missiles, and AI systems like ARBEL. “Local production will hit $5 billion,” says Dinakar Peri, defense analyst (2024).
• Trade: Non-defense trade may reach $15 billion via IMEEC. “Haifa and Mundra are game-changers,” says Karan Adani, Adani Ports CEO (2023).
• Tech Focus: AI, quantum, and space (e.g., joint satellites). “Space collaboration is the future,” per ISRO chief S. Somanath (2024).
• Challenges: Ethical concerns (Gaza, Pegasus) and competition from U.S./Russia. “India must balance geopolitics,” warns Happymon Jacob (2023).

Reflection

The India-Israel defense partnership is a remarkable blend of innovation and strategy, turning India’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI into a multi-role titan with Israeli avionics like Litening G4 and EW pods, while co-producing drones and missiles through JVs like Adani-Elbit and KRAS. This alliance, fueled by $4.2 billion in arms trade (2001–2021) and $10.77 billion in total trade (2022–23), thrives on shared threats—terrorism, China’s rise—and Israel’s combat-tested tech. India’s import of $1.5–2 billion annually and export of Hermes 900 drones to Israel show a maturing, two-way relationship. “Israel’s tech and India’s scale are a perfect match”.

Looking to 2030, the partnership could redefine global defense with AI, cyber, and space tech, potentially hitting $15 billion in trade. “The IMEEC will cement this axis,” predicts Karan Adani (2023). Yet, challenges loom: ethical concerns over Gaza and Pegasus could stir domestic backlash in India, while U.S. and Russian systems (e.g., MQ-9, S-400) compete fiercely. “India must tread carefully to maintain its non-aligned stance,” warns Pravin Sawhney (2023). Israel’s cost-effective, tailored systems—like the Su-30’s avionics—give it an edge, but procurement delays and geopolitical balancing act could slow progress. “The partnership’s resilience is its strength,” says Gen. V.K. Singh (2022).

This alliance is more than arms deals—it’s a bet on technology and trust. If India and Israel navigate ethical and geopolitical complexities, their synergy could make them a defense powerhouse, reshaping the Indo-Pacific and beyond. “This is a partnership for the future,” says Dr. Jaishankar (2024). Let’s see how they soar.

References

1. SIPRI Arms Transfers Database (2022).
2. Reuters, “India’s $2.6 billion missile deal with Israel” (April 7, 2017).
3. The Hindu, “India-Israel defense ties grow” (June 14, 2022).
4. Defense News, “Israel’s arms exports hit $14.7 billion” (January 2025).
5. ORF, “India-Israel Defence Cooperation” (August 2023).
6. Economic Times, “Adani-Elbit drone facility” (March 20, 2023).
7. Jane’s Defence Weekly, “Su-30 MKI avionics upgrades” (2012).
8. X posts, @DefenceDecode (2023–2024).
9. Indian Ministry of Defence Annual Report (2023).
10. Israel Ministry of Defense press release (2024).

 

Appendix

Israel’s military-industrial complex (MIC) is a significant global player, known for producing advanced weapons and systems driven by a robust technological base and combat-tested designs. Below, I address your queries systematically, covering Israel’s weapons production, exports, specific exports to India, major buyers, and the scale of its defense industry, with data drawn from available sources and analysis.

1. Weapons and Weapon Systems Produced by Israel

Israel’s defense industry, led by companies like Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, produces a wide range of advanced military equipment. Key categories and examples include:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) / Drones:
• Hermes 900 (Elbit): Medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone for surveillance and combat.
• Heron 1 (IAI): MALE UAV for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
• Searcher (IAI): Tactical UAV for surveillance.
• Harpy (IAI): Loitering munition (suicide drone) for anti-radar and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).
• Missiles and Air Defense Systems:
• Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 (IAI, co-developed with the U.S.): Ballistic missile defense systems.
• David’s Sling (Rafael, co-developed with the U.S.): Mid-range missile and rocket interception system.
• Iron Dome (Rafael): Short-range rocket and mortar defense system.
• Barak-8/Barak-2 (IAI, co-developed with India): Medium-to-long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
• Spike (Rafael): Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) with variants like Spike NLOS (non-line-of-sight).
• Python and Derby (Rafael): Air-to-air missiles for fighter jets.
• Radars and Sensors:
• EL/M-2080 Green Pine (Elta/IAI): Radar for Arrow missile defense system.
• MF-STAR (IAI): Multi-function naval radar for Barak-8 systems.
• Litening (Rafael): Targeting and navigation pods for aircraft.
• Electronic Warfare and C4I Systems:
• Skylark (Elbit): Electronic warfare and communication systems.
• SkyShield (Rafael): Electronic countermeasures for aircraft.
• Command, control, communications, and intelligence (C4I) systems for battlefield management.
• Ground Systems:
• Merkava (Israel Military Industries/IMI): Main battle tank (MBT) with advanced armor and fire control.
• Namer (IMI): Armored personnel carrier based on Merkava chassis.
• Eitan (Israeli MoD): 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier.
• Small Arms and Light Weapons:
• Tavor (IWI): Bullpup assault rifle (TAR-21 and variants).
• Negev (IWI): Light machine gun.
• Uzi (IWI): Submachine gun.
• Galil (IWI): Sniper and assault rifle variants.
• Naval Systems:
• Sa’ar-class missile boats (Israel Shipyards): Equipped with missiles and radar systems.
• Gabriel (IAI): Anti-ship missile.
• Remote-controlled weapon stations for naval platforms (Elbit/Rafael).
• Cyber and Surveillance Technologies:
• Surveillance systems for border security and urban warfare.
• Cyber-intelligence tools (though specifics are often classified).
• Space and Satellite Systems:
• Ofek satellites (IAI): Reconnaissance satellites.
• Amos satellites (IAI): Communication satellites.

Israel’s systems are often modular, interoperable, and tailored for modern asymmetric warfare, reflecting its operational experience. Domestic production, supported by a high concentration of engineers and R&D investment, ensures self-sufficiency and adaptability.

 

2. Weapons and Systems Exported by Israel

Israel is a major arms exporter, ranked as the 10th-largest globally from 2017–2021 with a 2.4% share of global arms exports, and its exports have grown significantly. Most systems listed above are available for export, with some restrictions due to U.S. technology transfer controls (e.g., Kfir fighters in the past) or strategic sensitivities. Key exported systems include:

• Drones: Hermes 900, Heron 1, Searcher, Harpy.
• Missiles: Barak-8, Spike, Python, Derby.
• Air Defense: Iron Dome (select components), David’s Sling (limited), Arrow 3 (e.g., to Germany).
• Radars: Green Pine, MF-STAR, EL/M-series.
• Electronic Systems: C4I, electronic warfare, targeting pods.
• Small Arms: Tavor, Negev, Galil.
• Surveillance and Cyber: Border security systems and surveillance tech (controversial due to use by some regimes).

In 2024, missiles and air defense systems accounted for 48% of exports, radar and electronic warfare 11%, and drones 9%. Satellite and space systems grew to 8% of deals, reflecting new demand. Exports are often customized, and Israel provides training and maintenance services.

3. Weapons and Systems Exported to India

India is Israel’s largest arms market, importing $2.9 billion in military hardware from 2012–2022, with estimates of $1.5–$2 billion annually. Israel is India’s fourth-largest arms supplier after Russia, France, and the U.S. Key systems exported to India include:

• Drones:
• Heron 1 (68 units, unarmed): Used for surveillance along borders.
• Searcher (108 units): Tactical reconnaissance.
• Harpy: Loitering munitions for SEAD.
• Hermes 900: Co-produced with Adani Group in Hyderabad, some exported back to Israel.
• Missiles:
• Barak-8: Co-developed with India’s DRDO, deployed on Indian Navy ships and land-based systems.
• Spike: Anti-tank missiles for Indian Army.
• Python and Derby: Air-to-air missiles for Indian Air Force jets.
• Radars and Sensors:
• EL/M-2080 Green Pine: For missile defense.
• MF-STAR: Naval radar for Barak-8 systems.
• Litening: Targeting pods for combat aircraft.
• Small Arms:
• Tavor (TAR-21, X95): Used by Indian Special Forces, produced locally by Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems (PLR) with Adani and SK Group.
• Negev: Light machine gun.
• Galil: Sniper rifles.
• Other Systems:
• Combat aircraft radar: For Su-30 MKI and other platforms.
• Electro-optical systems: For surveillance and targeting.
• Drone components: For India’s domestic programs.

India’s imports align with its modernization drive and shift from Russian dependency, supported by joint ventures like the Adani-Elbit drone facility and PLR Systems. The Gaza war (post-October 2023) has not disrupted these exports, as Israel prioritized India’s contracts.

4. Largest Buyers of Israeli Weapons and Systems

Israel’s arms exports are geographically diverse, with over 50 countries as clients historically. The largest buyers, based on recent data (2018–2024), are:

• India: Largest single-country buyer, with $1.19 billion in imports from 2018–2022 and up to $2 billion annually. Accounts for ~34% of Israel’s exports historically. Imports drones, missiles, radars, and small arms.

 

• Azerbaijan: Second-largest buyer, with $295 million (2018–2022). Uses drones (Harop, Orbiter) and missiles (LORA) in conflicts like Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Philippines: $275 million (2018–2022), primarily for drones and missile systems.
• United States: $217 million (2018–2022), mainly subsystems, components, and joint R&D projects.
• Vietnam: $180 million (2018–2022), for drones, radars, and missiles.
• Germany: Major buyer in 2024, with a $3.8 billion Arrow 3 deal, part of Europe’s 54% share of Israel’s 2024 exports.
• Thailand, Canada, and others: Smaller but notable buyers for drones and surveillance systems.
• Abraham Accords Countries (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco): 12% of 2024 exports, including Morocco’s €150–200 million howitzer deal.

The Asia-Pacific region (led by India) accounted for 48% of exports in 2023, followed by Europe (35% in 2023, 54% in 2024), North America (9%), Latin America (3%), and Africa (1%).

5. Size of Israel’s Military-Industrial Complex and Export Value

Israel’s defense industry is a cornerstone of its economy, employing a significant workforce and contributing to industrial exports. Key metrics:

• Industry Scale:
• Over 150 active defense companies, with combined annual revenues exceeding $3.5 billion.
• Major players (Elbit, IAI, Rafael) rank among the top 100 global arms producers (SIPRI 2022).
• In the 1980s, defense exports were ~$1.5 billion annually, representing one-third of industrial exports.
• Employs thousands, with IAI alone having over 22,000 workers before cuts in the 1980s.
• Supported by a high-tech ecosystem (Silicon Wadi), with 400+ multinational R&D centers (e.g., Intel, Google).
• Export Value:
• 2024: Record $14.7–$14.8 billion, a 13% increase from 2023’s $13 billion, marking the fourth consecutive year of record highs.
• 2023: $13 billion, up from $12.5 billion in 2022.
• 2012: $7 billion, a 20% increase from 2011.
• 2004–2011: Total arms transfer agreements worth $12.9 billion.
• 2017–2021: Israel held a 2.4% share of global arms exports (10th globally).
• 2013–2017: 2.9% of global arms exports (8th globally).
• Market Dynamics:
• Israel’s exports surged post-October 2023 (Gaza war), driven by proven battlefield performance of systems like Iron Dome and Arrow.
• The industry operates without government subsidies, relying on export markets for ~65% of output for some firms.
• Constraints include U.S. vetoes on certain transfers (e.g., Kfir to Uruguay in 1978) and Arab state pressure on buyers.

Global Context:                                                              

• The U.S. leads global arms exports with a 40% share (2019–2023), followed by Russia, France, and others. Israel’s 2.3–2.9% share is significant for a small nation.
• India and Saudi Arabia are the largest arms importers globally, with India’s 11% share aligning with its role as Israel’s top buyer.

Critical Notes and Considerations

• Combat Testing: Israel’s weapons are marketed as “battle-tested,” increasing demand, but this raises ethical concerns, especially with systems used in Gaza.
• Controversies: Exports of surveillance tech to regimes like Myanmar have drawn criticism for enabling human rights abuses.
• India Partnership: Co-production (e.g., Barak-8, Hermes 900) strengthens ties but ties India to Israel’s geopolitical controversies.
• Data Gaps: Exact export values to specific countries (beyond India, Azerbaijan) are often classified or estimated. SIPRI and Israeli MoD data provide the most reliable figures.
• Economic Resilience: Israel’s MIC weathered global recessions and the Gaza war, operating in “emergency mode” since October 2023 to meet domestic and export demands.

Summary

Israel’s MIC produces advanced drones, missiles, air defense systems, radars, small arms, and cyber tech, with major firms like Elbit, IAI, and Rafael driving innovation. It exports most of these systems, with $14.7–$14.8 billion in 2024, led by India ($1.5–$2 billion annually), Azerbaijan, Philippines, U.S., Vietnam, and Germany. India imports drones (Heron, Searcher, Hermes 900), missiles (Barak-8, Spike), radars, and small arms (Tavor). The industry, with over 150 companies and $3.5 billion in annual revenues, is a global leader, holding a 2.3–2.9% share of world arms exports. Its growth reflects technological prowess and strategic partnerships, though it faces ethical scrutiny.