Netanyahu Confirms India Used Israeli Weapons in Anti-Pakistan Strikes

Download IPFS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Indian forces utilized Israeli-made weaponry during recent military strikes against Pakistan. The disclosure came during a meeting with Indian Ambassador J.P. Singh and a subsequent interaction with senior Indian journalists. According to reports from Indian media, Netanyahu stated that the weapons “worked very well” in the field, emphasizing that Israeli military equipment is “battle-tested.” The statement provides new insight into the defense capabilities employed during what India termed “Operation Sindoor,” a military response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in May.

The weapons system reportedly used by India includes the Barak-8 missile and HARPY drones. The Barak-8, a long-range surface-to-air missile, was developed jointly by Israel and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This system is designed to provide comprehensive defense against a variety of airborne threats, including aircraft and incoming missiles, with a 360-degree coverage area. Its use in the conflict highlights the maturity of this collaborative defense project.

The HARPY drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a loitering munition specifically designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). Its primary function is to detect and destroy enemy radar systems by homing in on their electromagnetic signals. The drone can fly for up to nine hours on long-range missions, making it a valuable asset for neutralizing high-value targets. Its deployment in the strikes demonstrates India’s growing confidence in advanced drone warfare technologies.

Netanyahu’s remarks underscore the robust and deepening defense relationship between India and Israel. Israel is currently India’s fourth-largest arms supplier, with over $2.9 billion in military equipment sold over the last decade. The partnership, which includes the sale of radars, drones, and missiles, has remained strong despite regional and global geopolitical tensions. Both nations have consistently expressed a shared commitment to countering terrorism and have vowed to expand their cooperation in the security and economic sectors. The Israeli Consul General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, further publicly supported India’s actions, calling them an “action of self-defense.” This public confirmation by a head of state marks a significant development, providing a clearer picture of the strategic assets India has at its disposal.