India Reverses the Defence Equation, Prepares to Supply Cutting-Edge Weaponry to Israel

India Reverses the Defence Equation, Prepares to Supply Cutting-Edge Weaponry to Israel

In a notable shift in global defense dynamics, India is preparing to export high-tech weapon systems to Israel—traditionally seen as a leading force in defense innovation and one of India's key arms suppliers. This move underscores India's growing stature as a defense exporter, bolstered by the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign.

Sources indicate that an Indian defense company has landed a substantial contract to deliver rocket launcher systems to Israel. Although full specifications remain confidential, reports suggest the system boasts a range of up to 300 kilometers, placing it among the world’s most far-reaching rocket artillery. The deal is estimated to be worth approximately ₹1,400 crore.

India’s domestic defense sector has made remarkable progress, with locally developed systems now being tailored for Indian forces as well as exported abroad. Particular emphasis has been placed on drone technology. The Indian Army is set to receive air-launched drones capable of deployment from helicopters and able to carry up to 50 kilograms of explosives. Simultaneously, the Indian Air Force is developing Air-Launched Swarm Drones, which unleash multiple drones at once, making them harder to target. Indian companies are also creating loitering munitions—so-called "kamikaze drones"—that can strike enemy targets from altitudes as high as 8,000 feet.

India’s defense exports have experienced exponential growth. From just ₹686 crore in 2013–14, export figures soared to ₹23,622 crore by 2023–24—a 34-fold increase. Domestic arms production also surged during this period, rising from ₹46,429 crore in 2014–15 to ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, reflecting a 174% jump.

Weaponry utilized during Operation Sindoor, much of it developed under the Make in India initiative, has drawn global interest due to its battlefield performance. Russia, in particular, has taken notice.

Currently, India and Russia are exploring joint development of an upgraded BrahMos missile. Russia has pledged full technological collaboration, with plans for the missile to be entirely manufactured in India. The DRDO is already conducting tests on a new variant capable of reaching targets up to 800 kilometers away. If finalized, the next iteration could potentially exceed a range of 1,000 kilometers.

While India’s defense sector continues to expand under Make in India, the global economic narrative is increasingly focused on artificial intelligence. A recent IMF report highlights AI’s transformative potential, predicting that it could fuel a 5.6% growth in the U.S. economy and a 3.5% expansion in China's over the coming decade.

AI has become a key battleground in U.S.-China strategic competition, intensifying since the Trump administration. The U.S. has expressed growing concern over China’s rapid progress in AI, particularly with platforms like DeepSeek AI.