India-Israel Defence Partnership: Counter-Drone Technology Takes Centre Stage Ahead of Modi’s Visit

Counter-drone technology has emerged as a cornerstone of the deepening India-Israel defence relationship, with both nations prioritising joint development and indigenous solutions to address shared threats from rogue unmanned aerial systems. This focus is expected to gain further momentum during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Israel in late February 2026, potentially on February 27-28, following a formal invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The partnership has evolved significantly beyond traditional arms purchases into co-development, co-production and technology transfer, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. In November 2025, the 17th India-Israel Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in Tel Aviv highlighted AI-enabled surveillance, smart border management, cybersecurity and indigenous counter-drone systems as key priorities. A new Memorandum of Understanding signed during the meeting expanded cooperation across defence, industrial and technological domains, explicitly targeting emerging threats like drones.

Drone threats pose common challenges for both countries: India deals with incursions along its borders in regions such as Punjab, Jammu and Rajasthan, while Israel faces sophisticated swarm attacks in conflict zones. Bilateral efforts now emphasise AI-powered counter-UAV solutions, RF jammers, early detection through data-sharing and integration of advanced sensors. Israeli firms including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with its combat-proven DRONE DOME system, Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries have actively engaged through seminars, demonstrations and joint initiatives. A notable September 2024 counter-drone seminar in New Delhi showcased Israeli technologies and fostered discussions on addressing security and criminal drone threats.

Existing models of collaboration, such as the Adani-Elbit joint venture producing Hermes-900 drones in Hyderabad and the successful Barak-8 missile system, serve as blueprints for expanding counter-drone work. Recent developments include emphasis on modular end-to-end C-UAS solutions that combine radar detection, RF sensors, electro-optical tracking, jamming and hard-kill options like lasers or interceptors to neutralise hostile drones with precision and minimal collateral risk.

During Modi’s visit, his first to Israel since 2017 and the first in his third term, discussions are likely to advance joint research and development for next-generation systems, local manufacturing of counter-drone components in India and integration into broader air defence frameworks like Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which draws conceptual parallels to Israel’s Iron Dome. The agenda will also cover counter-terrorism, regional stability in West Asia and zero-tolerance policies against terrorism, reflecting the strategic convergence between the two nations.

While official confirmation of the visit dates and full agenda awaits, diplomatic momentum and recent high-level exchanges signal that significant announcements in counter-drone and related technologies could be on the horizon, further solidifying one of India’s most dynamic defence partnerships.