In a move reflecting its growing dependence on foreign weaponry, India is considering acquiring Israel’s 6th-generation ‘Sky Sting’ air-to-air missile to counter Pakistan’s PL-15E, which dealt a heavy blow to the Indian Air Force in May 2025 war.
The offer comes in the wake of India’s underperformance during the May 2025 aerial skirmish with Pakistan, where Pakistani jets outmaneuvered Indian aircraft using advanced long-range missiles. The incident exposed critical gaps in India’s indigenous defense capabilities, including delays in the Astra missile and Tejas LCA projects.
Analysts say India’s reliance on Israeli and Western technology contrasts with the deepening Sino-Pakistan defense cooperation. Critics argue that despite slogans of “Atmanirbhar Bharat [self-reliant India],” Delhi continues to depend on imported systems.
