India uses Israeli Harop drones in cross-border strikes against Pakistan

On the night of May 7–8, India launched multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting various locations across Pakistan. Most of these drones were successfully intercepted and shot down by Pakistan’s air defense systems, preventing large-scale damage.

The drones used in the attacks were identified as Israeli-manufactured Harop drones, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

These same UAVs have been used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in their ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, where they have struck on civilian areas and humanitarian zones .

Read: Indian drones shot down in Lahore, Chakwal, Gurjanwala and Ghotki

Harop drones are known for their stealth and precision. They are classified as loitering munitions, meaning they can hover over a designated area for extended periods, scanning for targets.

Once a target is identified, the drone dives and strikes with its built-in warhead.

This makes them especially effective for high-value or time-sensitive targets. Their missions can be altered mid-flight or even aborted.

Check: Four Pakisani soldiers injured in Lahore drone attack by India: DG ISPR 

These drones are commonly used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as in urban warfare, high- and low-intensity conflict zones, and counter-terrorism missions. They are capable of engaging fast-moving enemy missiles, radar installations, and hidden hideouts on land or at sea, according to Automate Decision Research.

Their design enables attacks on fleeting or concealed targets without placing manned aircraft at risk.

India, already the largest importer of Israeli arms, has acquired military equipment worth $2.9 billion from Israel over the past decade. This includes loitering munitions like the Harop. While New Delhi supplied Hermes drones to Israel during genocide in Gaza.