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SOURCE: AFI

In a recent column, Bharat Karnad, Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, advocates for a deeper and more integrated India-Israel defense collaboration. Karnad suggests that Israel’s defense industry, while sustaining select production lines as a fallback, should look to India for mass production of critical defense equipment. This partnership could ensure a reliable supply of essential weaponry while fostering joint R&D projects in advanced military technology.

Karnad emphasizes that the Indian defense industry is well-positioned to undertake bulk production of crucial arms and ammunition, such as small arms, machine guns, and light machine guns, along with their respective munitions. By producing these assets domestically, India can meet not only its own needs but also contribute to Israel’s defense requirements, promoting an efficient, cost-effective production system that leverages India’s manufacturing capacity.

Karnad underscores several high-priority items that could be locally produced, including:

Merkava Main Battle Tank: Known as the “mother tank” for the protection it offers, the Merkava Mark 4 is one of the world’s most robust tanks. Building components or even assembling these tanks in India could serve to meet both countries’ land warfare requirements.

Uzi Automatic Machine Pistols: Named after designer Uziel Gal, the Uzi is iconic in Israeli defense circles. Its compact design and rapid-fire capabilities make it invaluable in close-quarters combat.

Long-Range Artillery: Long-range guns and shells are increasingly crucial for modern warfare, and India’s ability to produce these could greatly enhance the readiness of both countries.

Beyond production, Karnad suggests that India could benefit greatly by directly investing in Israeli defense R&D, particularly in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and advanced missile systems. By contributing to the funding of Israeli projects, India could secure long-term access to breakthrough technologies that enhance its own military capabilities.

Karnad proposes that Indian scientists and engineers work closely with their Israeli counterparts, both in India and Israel, on collaborative projects spanning systems design and development. This approach allows for shared learning and cross-pollination, ensuring that both countries stay at the forefront of innovation. From electronics and avionics to autonomous systems, the joint workforce could drive advancements across a range of critical technologies.

This proposed partnership would align well with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) mission, which aims to build a robust domestic defense industry and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. Producing Israeli-designed equipment in India offers mutual benefits, allowing Israel to maintain a strategic reserve in its production lines while giving India full control over critical weapon systems.

Moreover, an India-Israel joint R&D model could eventually evolve into a blueprint for other countries looking to partner with India on defense technology. It could also help Indian defense companies develop capabilities and expertise that might otherwise take years to cultivate independently, accelerating India’s technological self-sufficiency.