Is India Backing Israel To Defend Itself Against Iran?

Is India Backing Israel To Defend Itself Against Iran? As Israel faces renewed Iranian missile attacks in its ongoing multi-front war, global attention has turned to its military supply lines. India, a close strategic partner, finds itself in the spotlight over possible direct arms support. At the center is the Hermes 900 drone, known as Kochav in Israel and Drishti 10 domestically. The Adani-Elbit joint venture runs the first Hermes 900 production facility outside Israel from its Hyderabad plant. This advanced drone operates at up to 30,000 feet with over thirty hours endurance and a 300 kilogram payload for sensors and munitions. Reports show over twenty units assembled in Hyderabad were exported to Israel in early 2024 for IDF use. The same facility produces components for Hermes 450, Skylark 3 and SkyStriker drones. This development highlights India’s shift from importer to key exporter of Israeli aerospace technology, strengthening defense ties amid regional conflicts.