Description

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Context

The HAROP is a loitering munition also called a kamikaze drone or suicide drone developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.

It gained attention recently when India reportedly used it to neutralise an air defence system in Lahore during retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor.

Features of HAROP

Feature	Details
Type	Loitering Munition / Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
Manufacturer	Israel Aerospace Industries
Primary Use	SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences), High-value target elimination
Endurance	Up to 9 hours of loitering capability
Guidance	Electro-optical sensor for visual target recognition; autonomous or operator-controlled
Launch Platform	Canister-based launch; deployable from trucks, ships, or ground stations
Navigation	GNSS-jamming resistant, allowing operations in contested electronic warfare environments
Warhead Delivery	Direct impact – drone crashes into target with explosive payload
Mission Success Rate	Claimed 98% effectiveness in combat by IAI

Strategic Significance of HAROP for India

Precision Strikes Without Escalation

Allows high-precision targeting like air defence radars without risking pilot lives.

Offers plausible deniability as loitering drones can be used discreetly.

Ideal for SEAD Operations

Designed specifically for Suppressing Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) — e.g., neutralising radars and SAMs.

Crucial in pre-emptive or retaliatory operations to open air corridors for further strikes.

Part of India’s Modern Drone Arsenal

Complements indigenous drones like SWITCH, Nagastra, and Rustom.

Enhances capabilities in surgical strikes, cross-border raids and urban warfare.

Use in Doctrinal Shift

Reflects India's shift towards network-centric warfare, autonomous systems and precision munitions.

Useful in grey zone conflicts where short, sharp strikes are preferred over conventional escalation.

Difference Between HAROP & HARPY

Aspect	HARPY	HAROP
First Introduced	1980s	Evolved from HARPY (early 2000s)
Targeting Sensor	Radio Frequency (RF) seeker	Electro-optical (EO) sensor
Versatility	Limited to radar-emitting targets	Can identify and engage visually spotted targets as well
Reusability	Not reusable	Some versions allow abort-and-return if no target is engaged
Use Case	Anti-radar operations	Multi-role: air defences, supply depots, tanks, UAVs

Sources:

INDIANEXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the role of loitering munitions like HAROP in modern military strategy. How do such systems enhance India’s cross-border strike capabilities while limiting escalation? 250 Words.