India Orders New Fighter Jets Equipped With Israeli Technology

Latest Developments

• Indian Fighter Jets Modernized With Israeli Tech: The Indian Air Force will take delivery of dozens of new fighter jets fitted with Israeli defense technology as it seeks to modernize its fleet of aircraft. The government ordered 83 HAL Tejas Mk-1A jets — produced domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. — that come equipped with both the AESA (active electronic scanned array) radar and electronic warfare systems made by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries. Pilots will use Elbit’s helmet-mounted sight, while the planes will carry the radar-guided Derby missile built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, another Israeli defense sector company.
• Israeli-Indian Joint Defense Projects: In recent years, Israeli-Indian defense cooperation has flourished, with several jointly developed defense technologies or Israeli technologies licensed for production in India, including Hermes 900 drones, the Barak 8 and Spike missiles, field artillery, and the Israeli-made TROPHY active protection system for main battle tanks. Earlier versions of the Tejas jet also carried Israeli-made radar systems.
• Israel’s Largest Defense Client: From 2019 to 2023, India was Israel’s largest defense client, accounting for 37 percent of Israel’s defense exports. Since 2006, India has reduced its dependence on Russian military imports while increasing imports from Western suppliers, including France, Israel, and the United States. Between 2023 and 2024, Israel was India’s third-largest defense equipment supplier, contributing 13 percent of India’s total defense imports — more than double that of two decades earlier.

FDD Expert Response

“India’s defense partnership with Israel has matured into a true strategic partnership. When India’s own military procurement faces delays, Israel consistently steps in as the go-to supplier. Today, Israel supplies a growing share of India’s needs. What’s more, beyond simple exports, Israel has embraced India’s ‘Make in India’ vision — jointly producing advanced weaponry like Spike missiles, Hermes 900 drones, and Elta’s AESA radar for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter manufactured in India. Those projects reflect India’s growing confidence in Israel as a reliable partner for both peace and wartime readiness.” — Pavak Patel, Senior Network Mapping and Data Analyst

“As with the United States, defense exports can help Israel build, bolster, and maintain the domestic defense industrial and innovation capacity and capability necessary for national security and to reduce reliance on foreign imports for key components, systems, and munitions that can be unreliable or tardy for political, contingency, or production capacity reasons.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“India and Israel are increasingly strategic partners on various levels, with Israel’s defense industry becoming deeply involved with India. Advanced radars for warplanes, as well as other types of avionics, are key to India’s growing defense capabilities. Israeli companies have a key role to play in working with India to harness both countries’ needs in the future battlefield.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Total Disconnection From Israeli Technology’: Spain Cancels Major Defense Contract With Israeli Subsidiary,” FDD Flash Brief

“How to Ensure Israel Has the Weapons It Needs,” by Bradley Bowman and Richard Goldberg

“How America benefits from its security partnership with Israel,” by Bradley Bowman