Harop Drones: Israel’s Loitering Munition and Their Deployment by India in Pakistan
Introduction
The IAI Harop is an advanced loitering munition developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Combining the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided missiles, the Harop is designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) missions. India has incorporated the Harop into its military arsenal, and recent reports indicate its deployment in operations targeting Pakistan. Here is what you need to know about Harop Drones.
Technical Overview of the IAI Harop
- Type: Loitering munition (also known as a “suicide drone”)
- Manufacturer: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
- Endurance: Over 6 hours
- Range: Approximately 200 km
- Guidance System: Electro-optical sensor with man-in-the-loop control
- Launch Platform: Canister-launched from ground or naval platforms
- Warhead: High-explosive, designed to detonate upon impact with the target(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
The Harop is engineered to loiter over target areas, allowing operators to identify and engage targets in real-time. Its design enables it to strike both stationary and moving targets, making it versatile for various combat scenarios. (Wikipedia)
India’s Acquisition and Integration of Harop Drones
India has been progressively integrating the Harop into its military framework:
- Initial Acquisition: In 2009, India procured Harop drones for approximately $100 million, acquiring up to 10 units.
- Subsequent Orders: In 2019, the Indian Air Force (IAF) decided to acquire an additional 54 Harop drones, enhancing its capability for precision strikes.
- Operational Use: The Harop has been deployed for missions requiring high-precision targeting, particularly in SEAD and DEAD operations. (Wikipedia)
Deployment in Pakistan: Recent Developments
On May 8, 2025, Pakistan’s military reported the downing of 25 Indian drones that had violated its airspace. These drones were identified as Israeli-made Harop models. One of the drones reportedly caused damage and injured four soldiers near Lahore. (Reuters, AP News)
The drone incursions followed Indian airstrikes on what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan, actions taken in retaliation for a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, primarily Hindu tourists. (Reuters)
Strategic Implications
The use of Harop drones by India in operations targeting Pakistan signifies a shift towards utilizing advanced unmanned systems for precision strikes. This approach allows for targeted engagements with reduced risk to personnel and the ability to strike high-value targets with minimal collateral damage.
However, the deployment of such drones across international borders raises concerns about escalation and the potential for unintended consequences. The incidents have heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with Pakistan condemning the drone incursions as acts of “naked aggression.” (Reuters)
Conclusion
The integration of Israeli-made Harop drones into India’s military operations illustrates the evolving nature of modern warfare, where unmanned systems play a pivotal role in strategic planning and execution. While these drones offer significant tactical advantages, their deployment in sensitive regions like the India-Pakistan border underscores the need for careful consideration of the broader geopolitical implications.
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