India has reportedly launched Israeli-made Harop drones across the border on Wednesday night and into Thursday afternoon, targeting multiple high-value locations inside Pakistan. According to reports, Pakistan has claimed that India used Harop drones in Lahore. The Israeli Harop drone is highly skilled at neutralising air defence systems and has already destroyed air defence systems in Syria and Iran. Pakistan Army spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, “Indian drones continue to be sent into Pakistan airspace… [India] will continue to pay dearly for this naked aggression.”
New Delhi hasn’t issued an official response to Pakistan’s claims yet.
What makes the Harop drone so lethal?
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Harop is a loitering munition system (part drone, part missile) that can cruise for hours before homing in on a target and destroying it. Unlike conventional drones, the Harop doesn’t just observe. It identifies, dives, and eliminates. The Harop, equipped with an electro-optical sensor, builds on the legacy of the IAI Harpy loitering munition, which revolutionised the global military tactics in the 1980s.
Here are five things that make the Harop a battlefield beast:
1. Dual-role strike capability:
The Harop acts both as a surveillance UAV and a high-precision missile, loitering above the battlefield and crashing into targets upon detection.
2. Combat-proven effectiveness:
It has been used successfully in Syria and Iran, particularly in missions aimed at suppressing enemy air defences.
3. Long endurance and range:
Capable of flying for up to 9 hours with a reach of 1,000 km, it allows deep, stand-off operations.
4. Advanced targeting systems:
Equipped with electro-optical, infrared, and anti-radar sensors, it can accurately identify and engage enemy positions.
5. Autonomous but controllable:
While it can operate on its own, it offers real-time human oversight, including the ability to abort and re-loiter if battlefield conditions change.
A clear signal from New Delhi
The reported use of these high-tech drones signals more than just tactical firepower. It reflects India’s growing reliance on precision warfare tools that can neutralise threats with minimal risk to personnel. Harop drones mark a strategic shift — deploying precision loitering munitions deep into enemy territory with surgical accuracy. The Harop’s combat record and versatility make it a valuable asset in India’s evolving security strategy. Its use in Operation Sindoor reflects India’s growing reliance on high-tech precision warfare.
