What are Harop drones? Weapon used by India to target Pakistan air defence systems
Harop drone (Picture from Israel Aerospace Industries)
NEW DELHI: Indian armed forces reportedly deployed Israeli-origin
Harop drones
to carry out
precision strikes
on air defence systems in Pakistan as part of their ongoing '
Operation Sindoor
'.
One of the key targets, Pakistan's air defence installation in Lahore, was neutralised by India's drone action.
The strikes comes in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
Operation Sindoor
Pahalgam payback continues: Operation Sindoor Day 2 keeps Pakistan on edge
'Operation Sindoor': PM Modi chairs high-level review meet on national security
Operation Sindoor: India repels drone, missile attack across LoC
What are Harop drones?
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained
True Edition
Undo
Harop drones, known for their radar-seeking capabilities, were used to attack multiple strategic locations across Pakistan.
The Harop, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a
loitering munition
- a cross between a drone and a missile - capable of independently identifying and destroying high-value targets, particularly radar systems and air defence platforms.
According to the Military Balance report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Harop is a part of India's growing arsenal of
unmanned precision-strike capabilities
.
Designed for deep precision attacks, the Harop can loiter over target zones for up to nine hours using an electro-optic seeker to locate, identify, and strike from multiple angles. Its immunity to satellite jamming (GNSS) and real-time human oversight give it both autonomy and flexibility in complex battlefield environments.
The drones are launched from canister-based systems mounted on mobile ground vehicles or naval platforms, making them deployable across diverse terrains and suitable for fast, targeted strikes.
India's use of the Harop in 'Operation Sindoor' is a clear signal that it is aiming to not only eliminate terror infrastructure but also degrade Pakistan's defensive capabilities to prevent further incursions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Local emergency': Mayor Karen Bass declares curfew in downtown LA amid anti-ICE protests; nearly 200 arrested
(AP photo) Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday declared a local emergency and imposed an overnight curfew in downtown Los Angeles as protests against federal immigration raids continued for a fifth straight day. The curfew will run from 8pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday, covering a one-square-mile area bounded by the 5, 10, and 110 freeways. 'I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,' Bass announced at an evening news conference. 'If you do not live or work in downtown LA, avoid the area. Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew and you will be prosecuted.' The order comes after days of unrest sparked by a series of immigration raids carried out by federal agents in the Westlake District, downtown, and South Los Angeles Since Friday, protesters have clashed with law enforcement, resulting in nearly 200 arrests, reported by CBS news. According to Bass, at least 23 businesses were looted Monday night. The curfew exempts residents, workers, credentialed media, and people experiencing homelessness, as confirmed by LAPD chief Jim McDonnell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Endlich, spiele das beste Farm-Spiel 2025 gratis! Sunrise Village Jetzt spielen Undo The escalating demonstrations have drawn national attention. US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of California National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to protect federal buildings, a move made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. 'Donald Trump is putting fuel on this fire,' Newsom wrote Sunday on X. 'Commandeering a state's National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral. California will be taking him to court.' Despite the curfew and heavy security presence, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, which began in response to what they say is an unjust crackdown on immigrant communities.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
India's new warfare: Drones, data, and the defence race that can't wait
Warfare isn't what it used to be. The enemy might not come with boots and rifles, but with buzzing drone swarms, silent cyberattacks, and AI algorithms calculating their every move. For India, this future is already here. The recent exchange of drone fire between India and Pakistan in May 2025—the most serious clash in decades—marked the beginning of a new era. Both sides unleashed loitering munitions and kamikaze drones . For the first time in South Asia, unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) became one of the central instruments of conflict. It was a live demonstration of what future conflict looks like. Thousands of UAVs filled the skies. Some watched. Some struck. Others confused enemy sensors or jammed communications. It was the subcontinent's first true drone war—and perhaps the start of a new era. Swarms over Sindoor: When the future arrived early India's 'Operation Sindoor' launched with precision missile strikes on nine terror camps across the Line of Control . But it was the drones that stole the headlines. Loitering munitions like the IAI Harop and kamikaze UAVs from Indian and Israeli origin swarmed across targets. In response, Pakistan retaliated with Turkish Bayraktar TB2s and Chinese Wing Loong IIs. Each side deployed over 1,000 drones. Not just to attack, but to observe, disrupt, and deceive. 'This marks a significant shift in the character of South Asian warfare,' said Rabia Akhtar, visiting fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center in a report by Foreign Policy. 'Drones weren't just tools of surveillance. They were instruments of strategic messaging—fast, low-risk, and deadly.' Live Events For the Indian Army , the learning curve was sharp. 'Managing the airspace with so many flying objects, jammers on both sides, and other users of airspace will be a huge challenge,' admitted a senior officer in a Deccan Herald report. More than eyes in the sky 'Drones now are not just about surveillance,' said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, founder of Garuda Aerospace . 'They need to carry payloads, drop bombs, and execute kamikaze missions. That requires integration between drone intelligence and explosive intelligence.' Garuda is among a growing list of Indian companies stepping up. The firm, which aims to reach 75% indigenous content in its drones within three years, collaborates with HAL and BEML. They're building UAVs that don't just watch—they think, strike, and survive. Another major player, ideaForge, underlined what's really needed now: consistency. 'Operation Sindoor has rightly placed India's defence-tech startups in the spotlight,' said Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge. 'However, what the sector urgently needs is a clear and consistent procurement pipeline from the government.' He told ET, 'Defence innovation cannot succeed in isolation. It requires clear public-private collaboration and transparency in buying cycles. Above all, the sector's key expectation is consistent demand, ensuring the capabilities we develop are fully utilised when national security needs them most.' Brains behind the bots: AI and autonomy It's not just about flying machines—it's about smart ones. Garuda's systems now use AI and machine learning (ML) for everything from autonomous flight to target recognition and predictive fleet analytics. 'AI and ML are at the core of our drone technology,' the company states, noting over 10 lakh flight hours across its fleets. Yet, the challenges are real. A senior defence company senior official warned: 'Nobody is going to give us the latest AI or drone technology. We have to develop it ourselves, customised to our terrain, our needs, and our systems.' India's strategy runs on two AI tracks—civilian and defence. But while the software side has matured, the hardware story is bleak. 'We're still dependent on imports for edge-AI processors and high-performance computing chips,' the expert added. Without homegrown AI hardware, software superiority won't be enough. The invisible war: Cyber and electronic frontlines Cyber-electronic warfare doesn't make headlines—but it can end wars before they begin. From GPS spoofing to malware that freezes command centres, the dangers are growing. 'A cyberattack is like putting a pin in your brain,' the defence company senior official said. 'Your body—your assets—remain intact, but you're paralysed.' India's communication systems, increasingly digitised and centralised, make this a critical vulnerability. The consensus is clear: India needs a dedicated Cyber Command , built like those of the US or Israel. One that can detect, defend, and—when needed—disrupt. Not just Make in India, but Create in India. India's defence posture is shifting from manpower-heavy to tech-intensive. But this transition can't succeed with assembly lines alone. It requires invention. 'Make in India is not enough,' the defence company senior official said. 'We need to 'Create in India'. Designing, developing, and producing end-to-end solutions domestically is the only way forward.' This means accepting risk. Tolerating failure. Funding early-stage ideas without expecting instant ROI. India's defence R&D ecosystem—from DRDO and CDAC to private firms and academia—must align under one goal: self-reliant innovation. Cost, capability and the counter-drone race India isn't just building drones—it's building ways to stop them. During Operation Sindoor , Bharat Electronics Limited's revamped L-70 anti-air guns played a starring role. So did electromagnetic jammers and homegrown detection systems. "You can't shoot down a ₹20 lakh drone with a ₹5 crore missile,' the expert said. 'That's not sustainable.' DRDO has licensed six Indian companies to mass-produce counter-drone systems. And it's not stopping at the skies. Underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) are next, along with radars that can detect swarm attacks without triggering friendly fire. Upward trajectory: The Space race By the time a hypersonic missile is detected, it might already be too late. That's why India is looking skyward. Space-based early warning systems—constellations of satellites using synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—will become the new first responders. A recent ISRO launch failed to deploy one such payload. Still, optimism persists. 'The setbacks are technical, not strategic,' the official said. 'We will overcome them.' In fact, Garuda Aerospace sees crossover potential, 'Our strong R&D in drone autonomy can also feed into future space-based autonomous systems.' Collaboration: The four pillars The senior defence company senior official envisions a four-pillar model: Academia, Startups, R&D Institutions, and Industry. Together, they must build both the ideas and the tools India needs. But many startups face a familiar frustration. 'You involve us in development, we invest time and money thinking production will follow—and then nothing comes,' the expert noted. 'That's demoralising.' Consistency and continuity in defence orders could change that. Export or perish India's defence budget is vast—yet most of it funds salaries and pensions. Little goes toward future tech. 'If the government can't buy everything, it must help us sell,' the expert argued. Countries like Armenia and Morocco have already begun ordering Indian systems. But exports require more than product—they need deals, diplomacy, and government-backed financing. 'Look at South Korea,' he said. 'They started with nothing and are now exporting advanced systems. We must do the same.' The war before the war Drones, cyber tools, and AI aren't just weapons. They're deterrents. And diplomats. Used well, they allow targeted responses without escalation. Used poorly, they could provoke catastrophe—especially in a nuclear-armed neighbourhood. As drone warfare expert James Patton Rogers noted, Drones allow militaries 'to limit strikes to military targets, test defences, and provide a lower escalation response.' But that flexibility comes with temptation. If war is easier to start, will it be harder to stop? India's answer must be bold, strategic—and unshakably local. The new war has already begun. And this time, it won't wait.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
India's new warfare: Drones, data, and the defence race that can't wait
TIL Creatives Representative AI Image Warfare isn't what it used to be. The enemy might not come with boots and rifles, but with buzzing drone swarms, silent cyberattacks, and AI algorithms calculating their every move. For India, this future is already here. The recent exchange of drone fire between India and Pakistan in May 2025—the most serious clash in decades—marked the beginning of a new era. Both sides unleashed loitering munitions and kamikaze drones. For the first time in South Asia, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) became one of the central instruments of conflict. It was a live demonstration of what future conflict looks of UAVs filled the skies. Some watched. Some struck. Others confused enemy sensors or jammed communications. It was the subcontinent's first true drone war—and perhaps the start of a new era. India's 'Operation Sindoor' launched with precision missile strikes on nine terror camps across the Line of Control. But it was the drones that stole the headlines. Loitering munitions like the IAI Harop and kamikaze UAVs from Indian and Israeli origin swarmed across targets. In response, Pakistan retaliated with Turkish Bayraktar TB2s and Chinese Wing Loong side deployed over 1,000 drones. Not just to attack, but to observe, disrupt, and deceive.'This marks a significant shift in the character of South Asian warfare,' said Rabia Akhtar, visiting fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center in a report by Foreign Policy. 'Drones weren't just tools of surveillance. They were instruments of strategic messaging—fast, low-risk, and deadly.' For the Indian Army, the learning curve was sharp.'Managing the airspace with so many flying objects, jammers on both sides, and other users of airspace will be a huge challenge,' admitted a senior officer in a Deccan Herald report.'Drones now are not just about surveillance,' said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, founder of Garuda Aerospace. 'They need to carry payloads, drop bombs, and execute kamikaze missions. That requires integration between drone intelligence and explosive intelligence.'Garuda is among a growing list of Indian companies stepping up. The firm, which aims to reach 75% indigenous content in its drones within three years, collaborates with HAL and BEML. They're building UAVs that don't just watch—they think, strike, and major player, ideaForge, underlined what's really needed now: consistency.'Operation Sindoor has rightly placed India's defence-tech startups in the spotlight,' said Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge. 'However, what the sector urgently needs is a clear and consistent procurement pipeline from the government.'He told ET, 'Defence innovation cannot succeed in isolation. It requires clear public-private collaboration and transparency in buying cycles. Above all, the sector's key expectation is consistent demand, ensuring the capabilities we develop are fully utilised when national security needs them most.'It's not just about flying machines—it's about smart systems now use AI and machine learning (ML) for everything from autonomous flight to target recognition and predictive fleet analytics. 'AI and ML are at the core of our drone technology,' the company states, noting over 10 lakh flight hours across its the challenges are real. A senior defence company senior official warned: 'Nobody is going to give us the latest AI or drone technology. We have to develop it ourselves, customised to our terrain, our needs, and our systems.'India's strategy runs on two AI tracks—civilian and defence. But while the software side has matured, the hardware story is bleak.'We're still dependent on imports for edge-AI processors and high-performance computing chips,' the expert added. Without homegrown AI hardware, software superiority won't be warfare doesn't make headlines—but it can end wars before they begin. From GPS spoofing to malware that freezes command centres, the dangers are growing.'A cyberattack is like putting a pin in your brain,' the defence company senior official said. 'Your body—your assets—remain intact, but you're paralysed.' India's communication systems, increasingly digitised and centralised, make this a critical vulnerability. The consensus is clear: India needs a dedicated Cyber Command, built like those of the US or Israel. One that can detect, defend, and—when needed—disrupt. India's defence posture is shifting from manpower-heavy to tech-intensive. But this transition can't succeed with assembly lines alone. It requires invention.'Make in India is not enough,' the defence company senior official said. 'We need to 'Create in India'. Designing, developing, and producing end-to-end solutions domestically is the only way forward.'This means accepting risk. Tolerating failure. Funding early-stage ideas without expecting instant ROI. India's defence R&D ecosystem—from DRDO and CDAC to private firms and academia—must align under one goal: self-reliant isn't just building drones—it's building ways to stop them. During Operation Sindoor, Bharat Electronics Limited's revamped L-70 anti-air guns played a starring role. So did electromagnetic jammers and homegrown detection systems."You can't shoot down a ₹20 lakh drone with a ₹5 crore missile,' the expert said. 'That's not sustainable.'DRDO has licensed six Indian companies to mass-produce counter-drone systems. And it's not stopping at the skies. Underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) are next, along with radars that can detect swarm attacks without triggering friendly the time a hypersonic missile is detected, it might already be too late. That's why India is looking early warning systems—constellations of satellites using synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—will become the new first responders. A recent ISRO launch failed to deploy one such payload. Still, optimism persists.'The setbacks are technical, not strategic,' the official said. 'We will overcome them.'In fact, Garuda Aerospace sees crossover potential, 'Our strong R&D in drone autonomy can also feed into future space-based autonomous systems.'The senior defence company senior official envisions a four-pillar model: Academia, Startups, R&D Institutions, and Industry. Together, they must build both the ideas and the tools India many startups face a familiar frustration. 'You involve us in development, we invest time and money thinking production will follow—and then nothing comes,' the expert noted. 'That's demoralising.'Consistency and continuity in defence orders could change defence budget is vast—yet most of it funds salaries and pensions. Little goes toward future tech.'If the government can't buy everything, it must help us sell,' the expert like Armenia and Morocco have already begun ordering Indian systems. But exports require more than product—they need deals, diplomacy, and government-backed financing. 'Look at South Korea,' he said. 'They started with nothing and are now exporting advanced systems. We must do the same.'Drones, cyber tools, and AI aren't just weapons. They're deterrents. And diplomats. Used well, they allow targeted responses without escalation. Used poorly, they could provoke catastrophe—especially in a nuclear-armed drone warfare expert James Patton Rogers noted, Drones allow militaries 'to limit strikes to military targets, test defences, and provide a lower escalation response.'But that flexibility comes with temptation. If war is easier to start, will it be harder to stop?India's answer must be bold, strategic—and unshakably local. The new war has already begun. And this time, it won't wait.
