India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
Iron Beam is capable of directing up to 100kW of laser power at aerial targets, allowing for complete destruction of threats. (Photo: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
The Iran-Israel conflict has reinforced India’s urgency to follow up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on 25-26 February to discuss co‑development, technology transfer and deeper integration of Israeli air‑ and missile‑defence systems.
India’s retaliatory, intelligence‑led strike on Pakistan – Operation Sindoor – on 7 May last year exposed critical gaps in its layered air defence posture. In contrast, Israel’s real‑time defensive performance, especially during high‑volume saturation attacks, has made Iron Dome-class interceptors and the Iron Beam laser system strategically attractive for India’s next phase of air defence modernisation.
“Legally, the MoU allows both sides
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Golden Dome for America hits one-year mark but key questions remain on its progress]()
Golden Dome for America hits one-year mark but key questions remain on its progress
Integration issues, bureaucracy and undefined policies and authorities could hamper the full implementation of the “shield” to defend the US territory against aerial threats.
-
![US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress]()
US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress
While the US struggles to modernise the 50-year-old land leg of its nuclear triad, China has been rapidly developing and fielding new nuclear capabilities.
-
![New opportunities for defence firms as EU steps up support for Ukraine]()
New opportunities for defence firms as EU steps up support for Ukraine
The European Commission is looking for startups and other innovators to address challenges across the land, air and sea domains.
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
