India Seeks to Strengthen Defense Cooperation

Reference News Network reported on February 28 According to the Times of India website on February 23, in the context of last year's "Vermilion" operation, India is focusing on Israel's advanced drones, long-range missiles, and laser defense systems to integrate them into its own security infrastructure, creating an "impregnable" multi-layered protective shield.

The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization has developed a 30-kilowatt high-energy laser directed energy weapon, named the Mk-Ⅱ(A) system; meanwhile, Israel has begun deploying the "Iron Beam" air defense system—a 100-kilowatt class high-energy laser weapon system—to complement its "Iron Dome" missile defense system.

Indian Prime Minister Modi began a two-day visit to Israel on the 25th, during which the two countries are expected to sign a security cooperation memorandum of understanding. In addition to defense procurement, India is also focused on the transfer of advanced weapon technologies.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu previously stated: "The relationship between the two countries is becoming increasingly close, and Prime Minister Modi's visit is aimed at further consolidating this relationship through a series of decisions to strengthen cooperation between the two governments and nations."

India is developing a domestic multi-layer air defense system called "Maya Vision Divine Wheel," aimed at protecting cities and critical facilities from missile and drone threats by 2035. Therefore, India is collaborating with Israel to incorporate technologies from missile defense systems such as "Iron Dome," "Arrow," and "David's Sling." The plan will integrate the "Barak"-8 missile defense system with artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and cyber defense systems.

The new memorandum of understanding will follow the one signed during the visit of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to Israel last November, when both sides decided to strengthen defense relations through joint development of advanced technologies and joint production. (Translated by Wang Haifang)