India loses $17.5 million as Pakistan downs 29 Harop drones in a day: Israeli media

As India's escalatory actions continue through repeated drone incursions into Pakistani airspace, a recent report by Israeli media revealed that New Delhi suffered a financial blow of approximately $17.5 million (PKR 5.73 billion) after Pakistan’s military shot down 29 Israeli-origin Harop drones on Thursday. This brings the total number of such UAVs neutralised to 77 so far.

According to Israel Business News, each Harop drone, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), costs around $700,000 (PKR 197.4 million).

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 .

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

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.

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.

This technological and strategic setback comes as India reels from the international embarrassment of losing three Rafale fighter jets, considered the pride of its air force, which were shot down by the Pakistan Army.

Check: BBC locates footage of crashed Indian Rafale jet

The incident sent shockwaves through the global arms industry and strategic circles.

According to a French newspaper, the downing of the Rafale jets represents a huge blow to the Indian Air Force. India had acquired 26 Rafale aircraft from France in a deal worth approximately $7 billion to modernise its air capabilities.