From Iron Dome to Iron Beam: India eyes MoU on tech transfer for Mission Sudarshan Chakra

From Iron Dome to Iron Beam, India eyes multi-billion defence pact with Israel; tech transfer MoU likely for Mission Sudarshan Chakra

Israel is said to be advancing plans to expand defence ties with India through a major agreement that may include the transfer of sophisticated military technologies, notably those underpinning the Iron Dome and Iron Beam air defence systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Tel Aviv on Wednesday for key engagements, including an address at the Knesset, as negotiations gather pace over a potential multi-billion-dollar defence partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

New Delhi is seeking to integrate Iron Dome technology into its broader strategic framework, not as a standalone purchase but as a foundational element of ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra,’ India’s proposed AI-driven, multi-layered air defence shield announced by Modi on August 15, 2025.

Iron Dome and Iron Beam technology transfer in focus

Multiple reports suggest that Israel may agree to transfer key technological components of the Iron Dome and Iron Beam systems to India. While neither government has officially confirmed the full scope of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the agreement is expected to prioritise technology transfer over direct off-the-shelf weapon purchases.

Iron Dome has long served as Israel’s primary shield against short- and medium-range rocket attacks. At the same time, the recently introduced Iron Beam is a laser-based interceptor designed to neutralise drones, artillery shells, and other aerial threats at significantly lower operational cost.

If finalised, the deal could be worth up to $10 billion and mark one of the most significant defence partnerships between the two nations.

Toward a multi-layered Indian missile shield

India is seeking to integrate advanced Israeli technologies into its planned multi-layered air defence architecture under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The goal is to strengthen border protection across its 15,106-km land frontier and 7,516-km coastline.

New Delhi already operates systems such as Russia’s S-400, the Israel-developed Barak systems, and the indigenous Akash missile defence platform. However, officials believe additional capabilities like Iron Dome and Iron Beam would significantly enhance interception capacity against drones, missiles, and precision-guided munitions.

Local Israeli media indicate that discussions may also include systems such as the Arrow missile defence platform, David’s Sling, Rafael’s SPICE 1000 guidance kits, Rampage air-to-ground missiles, Ice Breaker naval cruise missiles, and IAI’s Air LORA supersonic missile system.

‘Hexagon of alliances’ and strategic messaging

During remarks ahead of Modi’s visit, Netanyahu spoke of India joining what he described as a “hexagon” of partnerships aimed at standing together against “the radical axes.”

On Sunday, Netanyahu said, “The fabric of this relationship [with India] has grown tighter, and he is coming here so that we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our governments and countries. This includes economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation.”

He has framed the growing India-Israel partnership as part of a broader regional security architecture involving Arab, African, Mediterranean, and Asian nations.

Security ties beyond arms sales

Analysts suggest that the reported technology transfer represents more than a commercial transaction. Shanaka Anslem Perera told The Telegraph, “The “hexagon” he [Netanyahu] described publicly, a coalition against what he called radical Sunni and Shiite axes, requires India to have skin in the game.

“You do not give a country your most classified defence technology unless you need that country committed to your security architecture for decades," Peera said.

“Iron Dome technology transfer makes India structurally dependent on Israeli defence integration. Maintenance, upgrades, software updates, threat library sharing; all of it creates institutional ties that outlast any single government."

Defence cooperation reaches new heights

Addressing the Knesset, Modi underscored the importance of strategic collaboration, saying, “In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance.”

The expected MoU could elevate bilateral defence ties to what Israeli sources describe as a “special strategic partnership,” a term previously reserved for Israel’s closest allies.

As regional security challenges evolve and global alignments shift, the proposed India-Israel defence agreement could mark a significant turning point in strategic cooperation between the two countries.