Tel Aviv [Israel], December 1 (ANI): Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) CEO Boaz Levy on Monday said India has been one of the company’s strongest partners in defense development, fostering a long-standing defense partnership between the two nations. He affirmed that IAI would support any future decisions made by New Delhi regarding defense procurement.
Speaking to ANI, Levy highlighted joint work on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), noting that several major systems, including the Barak MX, were being developed with India. He also stated that the world’s first UAV originated from IAI.
“Heron is an IAI product. We were the pioneers of UAVs. The first UAV in the world came out of IAI premises, and we are very proud to say that India was one of our best partners,” Levy said.
He emphasized that IAI would continue close collaboration with India on future requirements. “We are very proud to take a major role in this effort, and I leave the decision-makers in India to decide whether to purchase. We will always be part of it and always support their decisions,” he added.
Levy also noted the joint development of the Barak MX system with DRDO and multiple Indian industries, highlighting its operational use in conflicts in Israel and India. “Together, we are bringing together a state of mind for ballistic missile defense and air defense, along with radar observation capabilities, enhancing the capabilities of Israel and India and creating new assets to defend our borders,” he said.
The Indian armed forces are set to acquire additional Heron UAVs following their successful deployment during Operation Sindoor earlier this year, with plans to equip them with air-launched Spike anti-tank guided missiles. India currently operates a large fleet of Heron drones across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with intelligence agencies using them for specialized operations.
Defense officials told ANI that the forces are placing new orders for Heron drones, which were effectively used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May. Efforts are underway to weaponize these drones with Spike-NLOS (non-line-of-sight) missiles, enabling strikes on enemy targets during future conflicts.
Heron drones are primarily used for long-range surveillance along the Chinese and Pakistani borders and have proven highly effective. India has also been acquiring the advanced Heron Mark 2 drones, which feature satellite communication systems allowing extended-range missions. The armed forces project a long-term requirement of nearly 400 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones over the next 10–15 years to meet the country’s security needs.
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