Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel is expected to witness the signing of a number of defence deals. The recent defence deals relating to the joint Indo-Israeli development of the Barak-8 air defence missile systems is reflective of India’s efforts towards indigenous modernisation and fits in with Modi’s “Make in India” initiative.
The likely highlight of these deals will likely be India’s purchase of armed drones in the form of the Heron TP for their perceived utility by the India media in conducting “surgical strikes”.
Some of the likely deals that could be signed during the Prime Minister’s visit also includes the purchase of 8,000 Spike anti-tank missiles, worth about $500 million for the Army and two Phalcon early warning, command and control systems for about a $1 billion for the Indian Air Force. The acquisition of these weapons systems hold the potential to address significant capability gabs in the Indian military.
India has been importing from Israel various weapons systems, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles over the last few years, making India one of Israel’s largest buyers of military hardware. The value of defence deals signed in recent months have exceeded $2 billion.
India to buy two Phalcon Warning System also from Israel.This can simultaneously track flying objects within a radius of 800km and has a ‘look-down capability’ for monitoring movements on the ground or in the sea.
In 2003, India signed a similar agreement with Israel to procure three Phalcon AWACS for $1bn which were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Currently, the IAF use the AWACS to detect and track troop build-ups or aircraft movements in border areas and enemy territories.
Designed to detect incoming hostile cruise missiles and aircraft in a 400km range, the AWACS additionally direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy planes.
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