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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Business Standard
Operation Sindoor: What are HAROP drones India has bought from Israel?
The HAROP drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), represents a significant shift in the way modern militaries engage high-value targets. Designed as a loitering munition, this hybrid between a drone and a missile is capable of autonomous reconnaissance, target identification, and lethal strikes, all without prior intelligence input. With a growing list of operators, including India and Azerbaijan, the HAROP is rapidly becoming important when it comes to precision warfare. What is the HAROP drone and how does it work? At its core, the HAROP is a long-range loitering munition (also known as a suicide drone) developed by IAI's MBT Missiles Division. It is a second-generation system that builds on earlier platforms like the HARPY. The HAROP acts as both a surveillance tool and a weapon, thanks to its real-time intelligence capabilities and built-in explosive payload. Once launched from a sealed canister mounted on a ground or naval platform, the drone can loiter over an area for up to nine hours. If no target is identified, it can return safely, allowing for reuse under certain conditions. When a target is confirmed—such as a radar installation, command centre, or air defence system—the drone dives into it, destroying the object with its 23-kg warhead. HAROP drone specifications and key features Endurance: Up to 9 hours Operational range: Up to 1,000 km (standoff launch) Effective range (from launch point): Up to 200 km Warhead: 23 kg (51 lb) Launch platform: Ground vehicles, naval vessels (sealed canisters) Navigation: GNSS-resistant systems Sensors: EO/IR/FLIR/CCD camera; anti-radar homing Human oversight in autonomous targeting The HAROP features a 'man-in-the-loop' control system. Operators monitor its flight and targeting in real time via a two-way data link, allowing them to abort or reassign missions mid-flight. This flexibility helps reduce the risk of collateral damage, particularly in urban or sensitive environments. The drone is equipped with electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, and a colour CCD camera. It also has anti-radar homing capability, allowing it to autonomously zero in on electronic emissions—a valuable asset in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) operations. Combat experience and confirmed use cases The HAROP's efficacy is not theoretical. It has seen combat in multiple conflict zones. Azerbaijan deployed the drone during the 2016 and 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh wars, where it was reportedly used to strike Armenian air defences and fortified positions. The system was also employed in Syria, with a confirmed 2018 strike on a Russian-made SA-22 Greyhound air defence system and an additional use reported in December 2024. While IAI has not officially disclosed the full list of operators, India and Azerbaijan are confirmed buyers. Reports suggest that Türkiye may have also begun deploying the HAROP as early as 2005. How loitering munitions differ from conventional UAVs Loitering munitions like the HAROP differ from conventional UAVs or cruise missiles in both design and function. Unlike UAVs, which typically return after a surveillance mission, and cruise missiles that follow pre-defined routes to fixed targets, loitering munitions hover in contested airspace waiting for opportunities to strike. They require no advanced intelligence, can operate in jammed environments, and cancel or redirect strikes on the fly—capabilities few missile systems or drones offer. What the HAROP drone means for India's military strategy The HAROP is engineered for use across a range of military operations, from urban counter-terror missions to high-intensity conflict zones. Its ability to loiter for extended durations makes it ideal for tracking mobile or time-sensitive targets. The system can be deployed from mobile ground units or aboard naval vessels, making it adaptable to various tactical needs. India has steadily increased its military cooperation with Israel, purchasing approximately $2.9 billion worth of defence equipment over the last decade. The procurement has included radars, drones, and missile systems, with the HAROP being one of the key acquisitions.
Economic Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Drone attack in 9 Pakistan cities: Here's all about Israel-made Harop suicide drones that can stay in air for hours
Drone Attack: India claims that Pakistan air defence system was destroyed. Amid heightened tensions, Pakistan Army reported explosions in multiple cities, attributing them to Indian Harop loitering munition drones, showcasing wreckage as evidence. India's Defence Ministry acknowledged targeting Pakistani air defense systems in response to Pakistan's drone and missile attacks on Indian military targets, claiming neutralization by integrated defense systems. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pakistan air defence system destroyed: India What are Harop Drones? Harop drones: Developed for high-value military targets Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Human-operated and cancel-capable system Range and operational use India has bought Israeli defense systems worth $2.9 billion The Pakistan Army on Thursday claimed explosions in several cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot. Pakistan Army spokesperson claimed that the explosions were due to Harop loitering munition drones, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Army spokesperson said the drones were Harop loitering munitions and described the incidents as "a serious serious provocation." He showed pictures of the wreckage of the drones at a press a statement, India's ministry of Defence in a statement said: "Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.""On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks," it is an attack drone developed by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is a loitering munition designed to hover over a battlefield and strike on command. The drone is capable of autonomous operation or remote control and can return to base if a target is not is a loitering munition developed by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It combines features of a UAV and a missile. It is designed to identify, track and destroy high-value military targets such as tanks, radar stations, air defence systems, command centres, and supply drone is equipped with electro-optical sensors. These allow it to monitor targets such as surveillance posts and radar installations before striking. The drone crashes into its target and explodes on can search for targets over a span of nine hours. It flies within a set area, detects and identifies targets, plots an approach, and executes a strike from different angles. It does not require advance intelligence to carry out the operation. The drone also has resistance to GNSS jamming, which allows it to maintain communications in hostile missions are supervised through human-in-the-loop control. Operators can abort the attack if required. The drone can be launched from land or sea. It uses canisters mounted on military trucks or naval drones are launched from outside the battlefield and can fly up to 200 kilometres. As loitering munitions, they hover above hostile zones, wait for a target, and then dive into drone has been used in previous conflicts, including by Azerbaijan in the 2016 and 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh wars. It has also been used in Syrian conflicts, including a 2018 strike on a Syrian Air Defence SA-22 Greyhound and another attack in December and Azerbaijan are among the countries that have purchased the Harop system. Reports also indicate Turkiye may have started using it as early as has imported military hardware worth $2.9 billion from Israel over the last ten years. This includes radars, surveillance and combat drones, and missile systems. The Harop drone is among the systems purchased during this period.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Drone attack in 9 Pakistan cities: Here's all about Israel-made Harop suicide drones that can stay in air for hours
The Pakistan Army on Thursday claimed explosions in several cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot. Pakistan Army spokesperson claimed that the explosions were due to Harop loitering munition drones, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Army spokesperson said the drones were Harop loitering munitions and described the incidents as "a serious serious provocation." He showed pictures of the wreckage of the drones at a press conference. #Operation Sindoor Live Updates| From Sindoor to showdown? Track Indo-Pak conflict as it unfolds India's biggest strike against Pakistan since 1971: 70+ terrorists, aides killed Pakistan mounts campaign of lies, deceit and disinformation Pakistan air defence system destroyed: India In a statement, India's ministry of Defence in a statement said: "Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised." "On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Biomass Incineration Biomass Incineration | Search Ads Read More Undo What are Harop Drones? Harop is an attack drone developed by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is a loitering munition designed to hover over a battlefield and strike on command. The drone is capable of autonomous operation or remote control and can return to base if a target is not engaged. Harop drones: Developed for high-value military targets Harop is a loitering munition developed by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It combines features of a UAV and a missile. It is designed to identify, track and destroy high-value military targets such as tanks, radar stations, air defence systems, command centres, and supply depots. Live Events You Might Also Like: Pakistan's HQ-9 air defence missile launchers suffer heavy damage The drone is equipped with electro-optical sensors. These allow it to monitor targets such as surveillance posts and radar installations before striking. The drone crashes into its target and explodes on impact. Harop can search for targets over a span of nine hours. It flies within a set area, detects and identifies targets, plots an approach, and executes a strike from different angles. It does not require advance intelligence to carry out the operation. The drone also has resistance to GNSS jamming, which allows it to maintain communications in hostile environments. Human-operated and cancel-capable system Harop missions are supervised through human-in-the-loop control. Operators can abort the attack if required. The drone can be launched from land or sea. It uses canisters mounted on military trucks or naval vessels. Range and operational use Harop drones are launched from outside the battlefield and can fly up to 200 kilometres. As loitering munitions, they hover above hostile zones, wait for a target, and then dive into it. The drone has been used in previous conflicts, including by Azerbaijan in the 2016 and 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh wars. It has also been used in Syrian conflicts, including a 2018 strike on a Syrian Air Defence SA-22 Greyhound and another attack in December 2024. India and Azerbaijan are among the countries that have purchased the Harop system. Reports also indicate Turkiye may have started using it as early as 2005. India has bought Israeli defense systems worth $2.9 billion India has imported military hardware worth $2.9 billion from Israel over the last ten years. This includes radars, surveillance and combat drones, and missile systems. The Harop drone is among the systems purchased during this period.
