JERUSALEM: Israel has announced its readiness to transfer the technology of the Iron Dome air defence system to India, marking a significant development ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the country. The announcement was made by Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach, who said the move reflects the intent to elevate bilateral defence ties to a new level.
Revach stated that the existing defence partnership between the two nations would be expanded, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in manufacturing military equipment within India. He emphasised that the proposal goes beyond a conventional arms deal and seeks to establish a long-term partnership rooted in innovation, technological exchange and mutual trust.
According to Israeli officials, the decision is driven by the similar security challenges faced by both countries, particularly in countering terrorism and emerging regional threats. The sharing of Iron Dome technology is expected to significantly enhance India’s air defence capabilities while also advancing its domestic defence research and development.
The collaboration is also likely to increase engagement between private defence companies in India and Israel. Officials believe this would generate new investments, create employment opportunities and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem under its indigenous production initiatives.
Proposal for a new defence axis
In addition to technology transfer, Israel has expressed interest in forming a broader strategic defence “axis” that would include India, nations that have signed the Abraham Accords, certain African countries, as well as Greece and Cyprus. The proposed alliance is aimed at countering terrorism and extremist networks through coordinated security cooperation. Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said the proposal involves countries that share diplomatic and security interests with both Israel and India. He added that Israel is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi, expressing confidence that the visit would further deepen strategic relations between the two nations.
Golden Horizon missile offer
Earlier, Israel had reportedly offered India a powerful new strategic missile system known as Golden Horizon. The missile is designed to penetrate underground bunkers, fortified military installations and even nuclear facilities.
Defence sources indicate that Golden Horizon has a strike range of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres and can achieve hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 5. At such velocities, interception by existing air defence systems becomes extremely challenging. This makes it considerably faster than India’s BrahMos cruise missile, which travels at around Mach 3 and is widely regarded as the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile.
The Golden Horizon missile is believed to be air-launched from fighter aircraft. If negotiations are finalised, it could be integrated into the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet. New Delhi is reportedly examining the proposal seriously, with military analysts suggesting that the induction of such a long-range, air-launched hypersonic weapon would provide India with a substantial strategic advantage in South Asia.
