Netanyahu Acknowledges India’s Use of Israeli Arms in Sindoor Operation.
Over the past decade, Israel has become India’s fourth-largest defence partner, supplying \$2.9 billion worth of advanced radars, drones, and missile systems — a testament to the growing trust and strategic bond between the two nations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly confirmed that India used Israeli-made weapons — including the advanced Barak-8 missile system and the HARPY drone — during Operation Sindoor, the Indian military’s decisive response against Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in May.
The Pahalgam attack, which claimed several lives, had sparked widespread outrage across India and renewed calls for strong action. Operation Sindoor was New Delhi’s answer — a carefully planned and executed military strike aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and sending a clear message that such attacks would not go unanswered.
Netanyahu’s acknowledgment underscores not only the operational success of the mission but also the deepening strategic bond between India and Israel. The Barak-8 missile system and HARPY drones, both cutting-edge defence technologies, reportedly played a key role in neutralising high-value targets during the operation.
On Thursday, August 7, Netanyahu met with India’s Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties further, particularly in security and economic cooperation. Calling the partnership “important” and “based on shared values and interests,” Netanyahu said the meeting focused on exploring new avenues for collaboration in key sectors, from advanced defence technology to trade and innovation.
Following the meeting, the Israeli leader also engaged with a group of senior media professionals from India, signalling a willingness to foster people-to-people connections alongside government-to-government ties.
The technology behind Operation SindoorThe HARPY drone, designed specifically for suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), is capable of autonomously detecting and destroying radar installations by homing in on their electromagnetic signals. With an endurance of up to nine hours, the drone can execute deep-strike missions and approach targets from multiple angles, giving it a tactical edge in complex battlefields.
The Barak-8 missile system offers 360-degree coverage and can simultaneously engage multiple airborne threats, from fighter jets to drones and missiles. With an operational range of up to 100 km and the ability to be deployed on both land and naval platforms, it provides a versatile and formidable shield in modern warfare scenarios.
Comes to countering terrorism and safeguarding national security.
A growing defence partnershipOnly Russia (\$21.8 billion), France (\$5.2 billion), and the US (\$4.5 billion) surpass Israel in terms of defence exports to India.
Despite the ongoing Gaza conflict, arms trade between New Delhi and Tel Aviv has remained steady — a sign that strategic cooperation continues to thrive even in turbulent geopolitical times. The events surrounding Operation Sindoor have only reinforced this partnership, blending shared security priorities with a mutual commitment to advanced defence capabilities.