Pakistan’s Air Defence Neutralises Indian Harop Drones Amid Escalating Tensions
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan’s military announced the successful interception and destruction of 25 Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions deployed by India over major urban centres, including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The operation underscores the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the critical role of integrated air defence systems.
The Harop Loitering Munition: A Strategic Asset
The Harop, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a sophisticated loitering munition designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) missions. Combining the capabilities of a drone and a missile, it can loiter over target areas for extended periods, using electro-optical sensors to identify and engage targets autonomously. In India, the Harop is produced under licence by the Adani Group and is known as the Agnikaa. This indigenous production facilitates rapid deployment and integration into India’s strategic framework. (IAI)
Key Specifications:
- Endurance: Up to 9 hours
- Operational Range: Approximately 1,000 km
- Payload: High-explosive warhead
- Guidance: Electro-optical sensors with human-in-the-loop control
Pakistan’s Countermeasure: The Oerlikon GDF System
To neutralise the Harop threat, Pakistan deployed its Oerlikon GDF 35mm twin anti-aircraft gun systems, integrated with advanced fire-control radars. These systems, originally developed by Oerlikon Contraves (now Rheinmetall Air Defence AG), have been modernised to effectively engage low-altitude aerial threats.
System Features:
- Calibre: 35×228mm
- Rate of Fire: 550 rounds per minute per barrel
- Effective Range: Up to 4,000 metres
- Ammunition: Includes AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) rounds, which disperse tungsten sub-projectiles to increase hit probability against small, agile targets.
An anonymous Pakistani defence official commented, “Our integration of legacy systems with modern fire-control solutions has proven effective against contemporary threats like the Harop. The cost-effectiveness and rapid response capability of the Oerlikon systems are invaluable.”
Regional Adoption of Similar Air Defence Systems
Recognising the effectiveness of such systems, neighbouring countries have also invested in similar technologies:
- Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Army has inducted Swiss-made Oerlikon GDF-009 systems, complemented by the Skyguard 3 fire-control radar, to enhance its air defence capabilities.
- Chinese Equivalent – CS/AA3: Bangladesh has also tested the Chinese-made CS/AA3 twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun systems, which are analogous to the Oerlikon GDF series.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The successful neutralisation of the Harop drones underscores the importance of integrating traditional gun-based systems with modern fire-control technologies. Such integration offers a cost-effective and efficient means to counter emerging aerial threats, including loitering munitions.
As aerial threats continue to evolve, the adaptability and resilience of air defence systems like the Oerlikon GDF will remain crucial. Their proven effectiveness in real-world scenarios reinforces their value in modern military arsenals.
References:
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). (2023). IAI Signs Agreements Valued at $145M to Deliver Long Range Loitering Munitions. Retrieved from https://www.iai.co.il/about/press-release/iai-signs-agreements-valued-145m-deliver-long-range-loitering-munitions
- Haaretz. (2025). Pakistan says it shot down 25 Israeli-made suicide drones launched by India. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/asia-and-australia/2025-05-08/ty-article/pakistan-says-it-shot-down-israeli-made-suicide-drones-launched-by-india/00000196-aef3-d1bb-a5d6-aef7ab360000
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). IAI Harop. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_Harop
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Oerlikon GDF. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oerlikon_GDF
- BDMilitary. (2024). Bangladesh Army purchasing more Swiss air defence systems. Retrieved from https://www.bdmilitary.com/defence-news/bangladesh-defence-procurement/bangladesh-army-purchasing-more-swiss-air-defence-systems/180/
- Janes. (2024). Bangladesh Army test-fires CS/AA3 anti-aircraft guns. Retrieved from https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/security/bangladesh-army-test-fires-csaa3-anti-aircraft-guns
- Reuters. (2025). Pakistan says shot down 25 drones, India says it pushed back Pakistani retaliation. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/blast-heard-pakistans-lahore-amid-tensions-with-india-say-geo-news-reuters-2025-05-08/
- AP News. (2025). India and Pakistan trade fire and accusations after Indian missile attack. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/4a33b5884b0860c01f266e2a93688ef7
- The Australian. (2025). Pakistan says it repelled Indian drones in ‘serious provocation’. Retrieved from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/pakistan-says-it-repelled-indian-drone-raids-in-serious-provocation/news-story/f567eb25d9350ce51d3ad2ffe204dc75
- The Wall Street Journal. (2025). India and Pakistan Accuse Each Other of Drone Attacks on Military Targets. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/india-pakistan-accuse-each-other-of-drone-attacks-on-military-targets-a2053194
- The Sun. (2025). Pakistan claims to have killed 50 Indian soldiers in border clashes after vowing revenge as war fears loom. Retrieved from https://www.the-sun.com/news/14189355/pakistan-revenge-india-war/
- Financial Times. (2025). Pakistani drone attacks ‘neutralised’, says India, as skirmishes escalate. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/9e1abc2f-1584-4ffa-85d5-ddc5e6c1271e
- The Times of Israel. (2025). Pakistan military says it shot down 25 Israeli-made drones launched by India. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/pakistan-military-says-it-shot-down-25-israeli-made-drones-launched-by-india/
- Hindustan Times. (2025). India used HAROP drones to attack, claims Pakistan. 10 facts about them. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-used-harop-drones-to-attack-claims-pakista-10-facts-about-them-101746695369865.html
- Eurasian Times. (2025). Israeli Harop Drone Makes “Spectacular” Combat Debut In South Asia. Retrieved from https://www.eurasiantimes.com/israeli-harop-drone-makes-spectacular-combat-debut-in-south-asia/
- Economic Times. (2025). Drone attack in 9 Pakistan cities: Here’s all about Israel-made Harop suicide drones that can stay in air. Retrieved from https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/drone-attack-in-9-pakistan-cities-heres-all-about-israel-made-harop-suicide-drones-that-can-stay-in-air-for-hours/articleshow/120991459.cms
- Dawn. (2025). All you need to know about Israel-made Harop drones used by India in Pakistan. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1909385/all-you-need-to-know-about-israel-made-harop-drones-used-by-india-in-pakistan
- Islamic World News. (2023). Military Knowledge: Harop Suicide Drone. Retrieved from https://english.iswnews.com/32697/military-knowledge-harop-suicide
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