Israeli state-owned defence company Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is reportedly planning to establish a production line for Tamir interceptors, the missiles used in its Iron Dome air defence system, in India.
According to sources, Rafael is in advanced discussions with Indian defence companies to co-produce the interceptors as part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between India and Israel.
The proposed manufacturing facility is expected to support Rafael’s global interceptor exports, reduce production costs and provide additional manufacturing capacity during periods of heightened demand or conflict.
If finalised, the project would provide a significant boost to India’s Make in India initiative while reinforcing the country’s position as a key defence manufacturing and export hub.
The proposal comes as India and Israel deepen their defence ties following the Special Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting in Jerusalem earlier this year.
Sources said the wider partnership, now in its final stages of discussion, is expected to include co-production of defence platforms, joint development of next-generation military technologies and emergency procurement mechanisms that can be activated during security crises.
The arrangement is aimed at formalising the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries into a more structured and resilient framework.
With global demand for air defence systems rising amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, establishing an interceptor production line in India could also help Rafael diversify its supply chain and better serve international customers.
Rafael currently manufactures Iron Dome interceptors in northern Israel and has also established a production facility in the United States in partnership with Raytheon to supply interceptors for the US Marine Corps while providing additional manufacturing capacity when required.
Israel already has a growing defence manufacturing presence in India. Defence company Elbit Systems produces its Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 drones in the country, reflecting the expanding industrial collaboration between the two strategic partners.
