Barak Air Defense, Missiles, Explosive Drones: Is India Becoming Overly Dependent on Israel?

New Delhi/Tel Aviv: In the 2000s, India acquired the Barak air defense system from Israel to fill a critical operational gap. At the time, the decision was logical and operationally sound. However, over the years, the move has exposed India to increasing dependency on foreign defense suppliers, particularly Israel.

During last year’s four-day conflict with Pakistan, Israel emerged as India’s strongest defense partner. Israeli drones were used to neutralize Pakistan’s Chinese-made HQ-9B air defense radar in Lahore. Beyond drones, India and Israel have engaged in multiple defense deals involving precision missiles, air defense systems, and other advanced weapons. India is now set to acquire systems like the Air LORA and Ice Breaker missiles, which are extremely difficult to intercept, raising concerns about strategic overreliance.

Growing Dependence on Israeli Weaponry

Defense experts warn that India’s increasing reliance on Israeli missile systems could undermine its long-term self-reliance. While India has proven its missile development capabilities through programs like Agni, Prithvi, and Akash, overdependence on foreign systems could slow domestic programs. For instance, as Barak-8 approaches the end of its operational life, India currently lacks a fully indigenous replacement in the same category. Consequently, Indian forces have restarted efforts to procure foreign surface-to-air missiles.

Existing domestic solutions, such as Akash and VL-SRS systems, either cover limited ranges or fail to match the capabilities of foreign platforms. Earlier indigenous programs like Trishul and MICA have also underperformed.

Challenges of Foreign Systems

Acquiring foreign systems initially meets limited operational needs, but replenishing stock over time is difficult, potentially affecting operational readiness. Israeli weapons further complicate supply chains due to strict Israeli control over critical subsystems and technology. Even when production is set up in India, much of the critical technology remains under Israeli control, limiting intellectual property rights and curbing true self-reliance. Systems like Air LORA, Ice Breaker, SPICE bombs, Derby/IDerby missiles, Spike ATGMs, and various UAV platforms follow this model, giving India assembly capabilities but not technological ownership.

Key India-Israel Defense Deals

• Barak-8 / MR-SAM (Army, Navy, Air Force)
• SPICE Precision-Guided Bomb Kits
• Air LORA Stand-Off Missiles
• Derby / I-Derby Air-to-Air Missiles
• Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)
• Multiple UAV and loitering munition platforms

While Israel remains a reliable defense partner, India faces a delicate strategic balance between leveraging Israeli technology and sustaining indigenous defense capabilities. Analysts warn that the current trajectory could hinder India’s long-term goal of achieving true self-reliance in advanced weaponry.