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In a bid to boost India’s cross-border military strike capability, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Indian+government">Indian government</a>, silently, gave approval for purchase of 10 Israeli missile-armed drones, a deal worth $400 million. 
 The armed <keyword id="3049934" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Heron-TP-drones">Heron TP drones</keyword> will be handed over to the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword>, which has a fleet of reconnaissance drones. The IAF also has a fleet of Harpy UAVs from <keyword id="6355882" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="israel">Israel</keyword>, which are self-destructing systems, primarily tasked with mapping enemy radar positions. 
 
A senior official in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=defence+ministry">defence ministry</a> informed the project has been accelerated under directions from the highest levels of the government and that armed drones may join service within a year. 
 
The armed forces had proposed buying the same<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=+armed+drones"> armed drones</a> in 2012 but didn’t get political backing by the then Congress-led government. However, the Narendra Modi-led <keyword id="44734" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Government">Indian government</keyword> reviewed and fast-tracked it earlier this year. 
 
Heron drones can carry a payload of over 1,000 kg and will be equipped with air-to-ground missiles that detect, track and take down targets deep in enemy territory. These drones are also similar to the Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are capable of reconnaissance, combat and support roles. 
 
The purchase will now enable the country to zero on terrorist camps or individual targets in hostile territory with minimal risk. 
 
Former Air Chief PV Naik said the acquisition of armed drones would be a significant addition to India's air power. "It is very good if something like this is happening. Instead of sending a pilot in a high-risk area, it is best to use an armed drone. The system can also be used for a surprise, sneak attack," he said. 
 
Another official said the lack of capability to target terror camps across the border was also felt after the Manipur attack in June, in which 18 soldiers died. While a covert cross-border raid was carried out in retaliation, the lack of a low-risk, quick reaction platform to take out cross-border targets was severely felt. 
 While an indigenous drone programme – Rustom 2 – is being developed by the <keyword id="152819" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-Research-and-Development-Organisation">Defence Research and Development Organisation</keyword>, the project is several years away from the weaponised induction. Armed flight trials are yet to be carried out. 
 A team of senior officials from <keyword id="621699" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Israel-Aerospace-Industries">Israel Aerospace Industries</keyword> is in New Delhi currently and Israelis are also looking forward to start a joint production of drones with India. 
 
Image: thinkstock

These Israeli drones will help India identify and destroy terror camps!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Israel is currently preparing for a ground invasion in Gaza. </li><li>Israel receives billions in aid from the US, including weaponry like F-35 fighter jets. </li></ul>Israel is mobilizing for a ground operation in Gaza following Hamas' deadly terror attacks last weekend that claimed more than 1,300 lives, many of them civilians.In response, Israel's airstrikes over the densely populated strip have killed 1,900 people so far, 614 of them <a href="https://www.insider.com/children-rights-gaza-palestine-israel-human-rights-united-nations-2023-10">children</a>.The Israel Defense Forces have not sent ground troops into Gaza since 2014, but since 2005, they have trained in urban warfare at a facility soldiers call <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mini-gaza-photos-israel-forces-train-urban-warfare-ghost-town-2023-10">"Mini Gaza."</a>Israel's military is far more potent than the Hamas militant group — partly due to the billions of dollars of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-aid-spending-israel-military-defense-gaza-war-2023-10">US aid</a> it receives. War experts told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-invasion-gaza-root-out-hamas-would-be-nasty-fight-2023-10">Insider's Jake Epstein</a> that an invasion of Gaza would still pose risks to innocent civilian life and friendly forces.Here are some of the weapons and military gear Israeli forces will likely use — and what Hamas might use in response.<h2>Israel Defense Forces</h2>Israel has tanks and armored personnel carriers that could be used in the Palestinian territory.Since the 1980s, the Merkava has been the main battle tank used by the IDF, according to the <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/advanced-sensors-high-tech-helmet-israels-5th-generation-battle-tank-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Times of Israel</a>. The primary model used today is the Mark 4. The Merkava can carry a tank crew, including a commander, loader, gunner, driver, and eight infantry soldiers, according to <a href="https://www.army-technology.com/projects/merkava4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Army Technology</a>. The tank can fire at moving targets while also on the move.The Merkava has been used to guard the Gaza border, and some appeared to be targeted by Hamas attacks on Saturday, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/12/israels-merkava-mark-iv-tanks-are-more-drone-proof-than-other-tanks-are/?sh=6503b7312114" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forbes</a> reported. The outlet said the tank seems more likely to survive drone attacks than other tanks.Armored personnel carriers, or APCs, can be likened to "battle taxis" and are generally lighter than main battle tanks, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2020/11/25/this-is-not-a-tank-a-laypersons-guide-to-armored-fighting-vehicles/?sh=133b10d41831" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forbes</a>.Israel's new Eitan APC is a multi-purpose, 8x8 wheeled combat vehicle intended to replace the older M113 APCs that the IDF has used previously, according to <a href="https://www.army-technology.com/projects/eitan-armoured-personnel-carrier-israel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Army Technology</a>. The Eitan, which can carry a crew of three and nine additional soldiers, has high firepower capabilities and mobility, including in various types of terrain.The first Eitans were delivered to the IDF's Nahal Brigade in May, with the unit's commander saying it would "transform the brigade and allow us to become more operational, independent and protected," according to <a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2023/05/first-eitan-wheeled-apcs-delivered-to-israels-idf/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Nahal%20Brigade%20is%20proud,outgoing%20Nahal%20Brigade%20commander%20Col." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breaking Defense</a>.In the sky, Israeli forces will most likely fly American F-35 jets. The stealth fighter jets, built by Lockheed Martin, are intended for strike missions and are made to evade missiles launched from the ground. In its most powerful configuration, the jet can carry four 500-pound <a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/gbu-12.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">GBU-12</a> laser-guided bombs on its wings, two GBU-12 in its internal weapons bay, and an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-jets-may-be-vulnerable-because-of-own-weapons-2021-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AIM-9 air-to-air</a> heat-seeking missile, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/f35-designed-for-war-like-russia-ukraine-test-pilot-says-2022-4">Insider</a> previously reported.Israel will also have access to US Patriot missile defense system, which can launch four to 16 interceptor missiles against incoming cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/patriot-no-silver-bullet-for-ukraine-air-defense-officials-say-2022-12">Insider</a> previously reported.According to reports, Israel began using bombs known as "Bunker Busters," meant to obliterate underground targets. The bombs penetrate the ground when dropped before setting off.Israel could use these bunker busters to avoid having troops buried alive in tunnels and to destroy underground outposts, experts told <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/9/israel-doesnt-care-about-collateral-damage-bunker-busters-used-in-gaza" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Al Jazeera</a>. Israel asked the US for the most advanced of these weapons — the GBU-72 — in 2021, the outlet reported.Israel is also receiving military aid from other Western countries. In Germany, officials have approved using two Heron TP drones in Gaza out of five leased to the country, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-clears-use-two-heron-tp-combat-drones-by-israel-spiegel-2023-10-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters reported</a>.<h2>Hamas</h2>Hamas will use much scrappier weaponry than Israel's multi-billion-dollar arsenal. Last Saturday, Hamas began its assault by utilizing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/video-hamas-fighters-attack-israel-using-motorized-paragliders-2023-10">paragliders</a> to descend on a music festival being held near the border of Gaza. Experts told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/middleeast/hamas-weapons-invs/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> that using this flying machinery is not common in warfare because it is exposed and hard to steer.During Hamas' attacks this week, CNN observed the militant group use machine guns strapped to the back of trucks, AK-47s, grenades, and even bulldozers. Per reports, Hamas has built a considerable stockpile of weapons, and experts told CNN that there was a likely possibility that Iran helped bolster the group's supply.Hamas has also employed thousands of rockets, but there is no sign yet that these rockets are guided, the AP reported. The militant group has also been observed using modified weapons from Russia and China, including Soviet-era Degtyarov-Shpagin Krupnokaliberny machine guns. The decades-old weapon, used by communist forces in Asia, is mounted on a tripod and can target lower-flying aircraft, according to the <a href="https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196038/dshk-193846-heavy-machine-gun/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air Force Museum. </a>The militant group has used Russian-made Kornet anti-tank missiles for over a decade, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-army-confront-resilient-foe-anticipated-gaza-invasion-2023-10-12/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters reported.</a> The laser-guided missiles have proved effective against Israel's Merkava Tanks, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-expert-says-tanks-may-have-disadvantages-against-abrams-tanks-2023-2">Insider</a> previously reported.Long-range sniper rifles, like the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/08/04/hamass-homemade-sniper-rifle-is-anything-but-expert-says/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Austrian Steyr HS.50</a>, could also be included in Hamas' arsenal. The group has also previously used booby-trapped tunnels and suicide bombers against Israeli forces.

Here's the US weaponry Israel will likely use in its ground invasion of Gaza and how Hamas could respond

The Forthcoming meeting of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Defence+Acquisition+Council&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Defence Acquisition Council</a> (DAC), if sources are to be believed, on Saturday will be a mark different from those so far. 
 
Bureaucrats and senior brass of Army, Navy and Air Force have been busy preparing in-depth agendas and giving detailed briefings to the Defence Minister <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Manohar+Parrikar&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Manohar Parrikar</a> before this meeting of the DAC on June 25. 
 Purchase of M777 ultra-light howitzers under a foreign military sales deal with the US will figure in the meeting for sure, said a senior official of the <keyword id="43909" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Defence-ministry">defence ministry</keyword>. Other critical purchases for the defence forces such as the UAVs (or the unarmed aerial vehicles), new fleet of modern drones besides range of vessels for the <keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword> will figure in in the meeting. 
 The <keyword id="754702" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Defence-Acquisition-Council">Defence Acquisition Council</keyword> (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Manohar+Parrikar&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Manohar Parrikar</a> and comprising officials from tri-services and from the Defence Ministry, is the key body that gives nods to acquisitions and modernisation plans. 
 
The June 25 meeting comes after a gap of several weeks. Asked why the delays in the meetings of DAC as the body meets at least once a month under normal circumstances, and more if required, a senior MoD official said, “I agree that the last consequential meeting of DAC was the one held in December 2015 and thereafter after the couple of meetings focussed on streamlining and finalising the new DPP, and review of long languishing cases in the acquisition pipeline, and no substantial meetings have taken place thereafter…we understand the anxiousness of the industry but we must understand that any major policy change like the DPP needs time to adapt.” 
 
“We expect some indepth discussions on projects involving critical purchases for the defence sector. Many projects that are stuck due to procedural delays will be looked into following directions at the top most level,” officials said. 
 
On the acquisition of a new fleet of drones for the air Force, presentations have been prepared on purchasing drones from the US and Israel. Acquiring the Heron TP drones from Israel will be discussed as also on the US-made Predator armed drones. 
 Purchases of <keyword id="863142" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Air-Defence-Systems">Air Defence Systems</keyword> from Russia is also on the agenda, sources said. 
 
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/M777_howitzer_rear.jpg">Image Source</a>

Purchase of M777 ULHs and Naval Vessels to be discussed in the DAC Meeting on June 25

India’s <keyword id="6366153" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Defence-Minister">defence minister</keyword> <keyword id="6363133" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manohar-Parrikar">Manohar Parrikar</keyword> is going to hold a high-powered Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) this Saturday, in which he would discuss projects that he is considering, said to be worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. These projects include critical purchases like armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an advanced air defence system, carbines for the Army and a range of vessels for the Navy. 
 
 As per <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rs-1-lakh-crore-defence-purchases-on-manohar-parrikars-mind/articleshow/52875093.cms">ET</a> sources, the Saturday meeting would decide the fate of several of these projects, some of which have been pending for years now, because of differences within the ministry. 
 The proposal to acquire a new fleet of armed drone for the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword>, which will help IAF increase its opportunity for disciplinary cross-border action in response to terror, is on the topmost priority. Last year, there were talks of a $400 million proposal for acquiring armed Heron TP drones from Israel, but nothing has been officiated as of yet. Now, India might also buy US-made Predator armed drones since it has got entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime. 
 
Another plan for IAF acquisition involves $6.1-billion purchase of S 400 air defence system from Russia, which could be a game-changer for the region, since S 400 has a range of over 300 km, along with an ability to target aircrafts that are flying deep in enemy territory. China is also procuring the same aircrafts. 
 
Other than this, IAF is also expected to appeal to acquire the Indo-Israeli long-range surface-to-air missile, along with the long-pending proposal to equip two Boeing 777 VVIP aircrafts, which are being transferred from Air India with missile avoidance systems. 
 Talking of <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword>, there are chances that the $700-million plan to purchase 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers, which is to be done as per a foreign military sales deal with the US, pending since January 2016, could have some light thrown on it. 
 
There is one more Army plan, to replace its long-retired short-range 44,600 carbines, which is pending since 2010. Along with that, long-running 'short-range surface-to-air missile' project of the Army could also be taken a decision on, which aims to buy an agile missile shield for forward moving forces. 
 
Navy, on the other hand, has a range of vessels that are soon going to expire, so replacing them could be discussed in the meeting. These include six new-generation missile vessels and a new range of fleet support vessels. 
 
<a href="http://d2njw6ojlwqnje.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/manohar-parrikar.jpg?d5f337">Image source</a>

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These Israeli drones will help India identify and destroy terror camps!

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Here's the US weaponry Israel will likely use in its ground invasion of Gaza and how Hamas could respond

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Purchase of M777 ULHs and Naval Vessels to be discussed in the DAC Meeting on June 25

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Defence minister is considering purchases worth Rs 1 lakh crore

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