SOURCE: AFI
As Israel faces intensified military operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in the West Bank, the demand on its defense systems and supply chains is surging. The Israeli government and its defense industry have turned to India, exploring ways to license their weapon systems for production by Indian companies. This strategic move could ensure steady supplies in challenging times while leveraging India’s manufacturing expertise and cost advantages.
The Israeli defense industry is contending with unprecedented demand as it supports operations on multiple fronts. The ongoing conflict has accelerated weapon usage, creating pressure to maintain stockpiles and secure continuous supplies. While Israel’s advanced domestic defense manufacturing sector has responded rapidly, the volume of equipment required for sustained operations has spurred Israeli defense firms to look abroad for production solutions.
Israel and India have established robust defense cooperation over the years, with India being one of the largest customers for Israeli military technology. Building on this partnership, Israeli defense companies are now focusing on creating licensed production opportunities with Indian manufacturers.
In response to the current operational pressures, several Israeli defense firms have already begun initiating talks with prominent Indian defense manufacturers. These partnerships will focus on a range of critical defense systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles, precision-guided munitions, electronic warfare systems, and various missile platforms. In addition to ramping up production, these collaborations aim to foster technology transfer and bolster the Make-in-India initiative, a central component of India’s defense policy.
By establishing manufacturing facilities and knowledge-sharing agreements with Indian firms, Israel not only addresses its immediate logistical needs but also strengthens long-term industrial ties. This will facilitate easier scalability in production and empower India to serve as a reliable ally capable of co-producing cutting-edge military technology.