The defense partnership between India and Israel is set for a major upgrade, with Israel planning to establish high-tech weapon manufacturing capabilities within India. This collaboration signifies a move beyond traditional defense procurement, aiming to jointly develop and produce advanced systems, including sophisticated drones and other military platforms. The initiative is designed to boost India’s ‘Make in India’ defense manufacturing goals and create products for global export.
Recent high-level discussions, including a pivotal visit by India’s Defence Secretary to Israel, have solidified this direction. A memorandum of understanding was signed, formalizing plans for joint R&D in advanced weapons, co-production, and technology sharing in critical fields like AI and cyber warfare. This collaborative framework is expected to be implemented swiftly, with initial impacts anticipated within the next six to twelve months.
Israel’s strategic interest in India for manufacturing stems from its desire for a secure and scaled production base, mitigating risks associated with its own limited strategic depth. For India, this partnership aligns perfectly with its strategic objectives of enhancing its defense industrial base, achieving technological self-reliance, and fostering local production of critical defense equipment. This collaboration is seen as a significant step towards India becoming a major defense manufacturing hub.