More than 26 years ago, the Indian Air Force deployed its Mirage-2000H aircraft to target Pakistani intruders in the Drass and Batalik sectors during the Kargil conflict. On June 17, 1999, the jets used Israeli-made Litening targeting pods to accurately identify and destroy enemy camps and logistical bases in the Kargil theatre. The pods enabled the Mirage aircraft to designate targets before striking them with laser-guided bombs — a move widely seen as a turning point in the conflict.
The precision strikes significantly weakened Pakistani positions, dealing a setback to the leadership at the time, including then Army chief Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In subsequent operations — including the Uri surgical strikes, Operation Bandar in Balakot, and Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year — India continued to deploy Israeli-origin precision-guided munitions, loitering ammunition and laser-guided bombs against terror infrastructure across the border.
Since Kargil, Indian armed forces have also relied on Israeli drones for surveillance of hostile territory, ranging from the Searcher Mk II to the Heron-TP unmanned aerial systems.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, India and Israel are set to further strengthen their strategic partnership. The close rapport between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has played a significant role in deepening bilateral ties.
During the visit, both sides are expected to sign a security Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing defence cooperation. The agreement is likely to promote co-development of advanced weapon systems in India, with strict safeguards on technology sharing.
The two countries are also expected to elevate their partnership further by expanding economic cooperation at both regional and global levels, marking a new phase in India–Israel relations. (Agency)
