India manufactures missiles and drones for Israel within the Iron Swords framework, as reported by the Al Jazeera network. Zain Hussein, a researcher at SIPRI, mentioned that the cooperation between India and Israel primarily focuses on missile production, with Premier Explosives producing essential parts for missile engines used by Israel. This cooperation extends to India’s involvement in producing the Barak air defense system, potentially including components crucial for the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 air defense systems.
Additionally, fragments of a missile found in the Nusayra refugee camp displayed “Made in India” labels on some components. Premier Explosives CEO, TV Chaudhary, stated that orders from Israel significantly boosted sales for the company, which also manufactures explosives. The collaboration between India and Israel transcends missiles, with defense companies like Elbit partnering with Indian entities to produce drones like the Hermes 900 and 450.
Researcher Hussain highlighted the significance of Indian-Israeli drone production, emphasizing its role in technology transfer for India to create drones based on the Israeli model. The launch of the Drishti 10 Starliner, an UAV developed in India based on the Hermes model, underscores this technological exchange. Despite this cooperation, geopolitical tensions reflected in Spain’s refusal to allow a ship carrying explosives from India to Israel to dock in its ports, citing concerns about the conflict.
In contrast, Morocco permitted the new IDF amphibious assault ship, Achi Kommem, to dock despite protests across the country. The differing responses to military shipments underscore the complex geopolitics at play in the region. The divide between countries supporting and opposing such actions further complicates the dynamics of defense cooperation and regional conflicts.