Israel and India move toward $10 billion defense deal

Israel and India are moving toward a landmark defense partnership that could reach $10 billion, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Jerusalem. 

The talks signal a major shift in military cooperation between two nations whose security priorities are increasingly aligned.

The timing is no coincidence. Israel's air defense systems proved their worth during years of regional conflict, while India's 2025 confrontation with Pakistan exposed critical vulnerabilities in drone defense and integrated air response. The result: New Delhi is shopping — and Jerusalem has exactly what it needs.

At the core of the negotiations is India's interest in Israel's multi-layered missile defense architecture systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and short-range rocket threats. Beyond hardware, Israeli expertise in fusing sensors, interceptors, and command networks into a unified response system is seen as a game-changer for Indian defense planners.

Drones, precision strikes and the future of warfare

Unmanned systems figure prominently in the discussions. India is pursuing both high-altitude surveillance drones and offensive platforms, alongside advanced precision-strike and stand-off weapons — technologies that allow forces to engage targets far beyond the reach of enemy air defenses.

India has long been Israel's largest defense export market. But the relationship is evolving. Under India's domestic manufacturing push, Israeli firms are establishing local joint ventures and technology transfer arrangements. 

New initiatives in cyber defense, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies could transform the partnership from a buyer-supplier dynamic into a fully integrated strategic alliance.

Geopolitical realignment

The deal also reflects India's gradual pivot away from Russian military dependence toward diversified, Western-aligned partnerships. 

For Israel, emerging from its most intense military period with combat-validated technologies, India represents both a major market and a strategic anchor beyond traditional Western alliances.

If finalized, these agreements would mark the beginning of a new chapter — one defined not just by arms sales, but by shared security interests, co-development, and long-term strategic convergence.