Lessons for India from the Israel-Iran Conflict: An Analysis of ' Operation Rising Lion '
The efficacy of Operation Rising Lion hinged significantly on the tight joint planning and execution between the IDF and the Mossad intelligence agency, a culmination of years of preparation.
NewsBharati 19-Jun-2025 11:10:30 AM
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Introduction
The recent conflict between Israel and Iran, particularly Israel's "Operation Rising Lion," offers several crucial lessons for India across strategic, military, and economic domains. Israel's preemptive offensive, characterized by sophisticated multi-domain operations, precision decapitation strikes, and unprecedented covert intelligence actions, severely degraded Iran's ability to retaliate effectively. The Iranian counterstrike, while significant in scale, was largely blunted by Israel's robust air defenses, augmented by preemptive disruption. For India, facing complex multi-front challenges and a dynamic regional security environment, Israel's operational model underscores the imperative for enhanced proactive deterrence, deep intelligence integration, modernization of special operations forces, and accelerated indigenous development of advanced military technologies, particularly in drone and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
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1. Israel's Strategic Motivation and Preemptive Attack
Israel firmly believes that if Iran develops a nuclear bomb, it could pose an existential threat to Israel. For this reason, Israel keeps a close watch on Iran and all its allied nations, periodically analyzing emerging threats and taking action against them. Intelligence indicated that Iran was on the verge of acquiring the capability to produce nine to ten nuclear bombs within the next three months. Therefore, Israel launched an immediate attack to destroy this capability.
For this, credit must first be given to Israel's political leadership, which made crucial decisions for Israel without regard for global opinion. If such decisions go wrong, they can create a significant threat, and many global superpowers might turn against you. Therefore, one must possess the capacity to face the consequences that arise.
2. Israel's Strategic Aggression: Crippling the Iranian Counterstrike
Israel's success in mitigating the Iranian counterstrike was not merely a defensive triumph but a testament to a meticulously planned, multi-layered offensive strategy that combined precision kinetic strikes with deep intelligence and covert operations.
2.1 Decapitation Strikes: Targeting Command, Control, and Leadership
A cornerstone of Israel's strategy was the execution of decapitation strikes, aimed at achieving "overwhelming shock and disruption" within Iran's military and political leadership. Destroying the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) Air Force bunker and eliminating key commanders created immediate "shock and disarray" in Iran's response, neutralizing an immediate Iranian counterstrike.
Israel has formulated a long-term plan to neutralize Iran's capabilities, and they act periodically according to this plan. The most crucial aspect of this plan is to target military and technological leadership within Iran, thereby diminishing their capacity for military decision-making and technological advancement.
2.2 Covert Operations: Mossad's Role and Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
The efficacy of Operation Rising Lion hinged significantly on the tight joint planning and execution between the IDF and the Mossad intelligence agency, a culmination of years of preparation. Israel's operational doctrine heavily relies on subterfuge and clandestine operations.
Mossad's covert actions demonstrated an unprecedented scope and audacity. Agents established a secret drone base deep within Iranian territory, near Tehran. These drones were activated overnight, striking surface-to-surface missile launchers that were specifically aimed at Israel.
Israel has spread its network of spies extensively within Iran. These agents or Israeli spies operate covertly. This requires immense courage, and often, if a spy is caught, a heavy price must be paid. Despite potential losses, Israel has consistently continued its efforts to expand its spy network. As a result, Israel has established a spy network inside Iran that is as good as, or even better than, the one Ukraine created in Russia. This provides them with crucial human intelligence (HUMINT) support.
Furthermore, vehicles carrying sophisticated weapons systems were clandestinely smuggled into Iran. These systems proved crucial in neutralizing Iran's air defenses, thereby granting Israeli planes air supremacy and unparalleled freedom of action over Iranian airspace.
2.3 Air Superiority and Precision Targeting
The conventional component of Operation Rising Lion was marked by a massive air assault. For the first time in history, 200 fighter jets took off in unison, executing precise strikes on predetermined targets, many in locations never before hit. Over 330 munitions were dropped on approximately 100 targets across Iran.
A key objective, beyond targeting nuclear facilities, was the systematic destruction of Iranian aerial defense systems in western Iran. This included the elimination of "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". This critical objective was significantly facilitated by the preemptive degradation of Iran's air defenses through Mossad's covert operations, which had already cleared the path for Israeli aircraft.
2.4 Strategic Deception
In this operation, Israel also largely deceived the United States. The U.S. President was talking about negotiating on nuclear bombs, and it was understood that these negotiations would last 60 days. It was shown that negotiations were ongoing, but at the same time, Israeli planes, their spies, and agents were carrying out operations in Iran. This allowed Israel to achieve great success in deceiving Iran. This can also be called strategic deception.
3. The Iranian Counterstrike: Capabilities, Execution, and Limitations
Despite Israel's extensive preemptive actions, Iran launched a significant counterstrike, demonstrating its intent and certain capabilities.
3.1 Scale and Nature of the Retaliation
Iran's retaliation involved the launch of multiple waves of drones and ballistic missiles against Israel. Specifically, "dozens of UAVs and close to 100 ballistic missiles" were aimed at Israeli civilian centers. The targets included Israel's commercial capital, Tel Aviv, and other central Israeli cities such as Rishon Lezion.
The impact of these strikes resulted in damage and casualties. Iranian missiles damaged homes and led to the deaths of two individuals in Rishon Lezion, with 19 others sustaining injuries. In Tel Aviv, a hospital treated seven people wounded by a second Iranian barrage, most of whom had light injuries, while an earlier wave of projectiles had wounded approximately three dozen individuals.
3.2 Effectiveness of Iranian Munitions and Israeli Interception
Israel's multi-layered aerial defense systems demonstrated a high rate of success in intercepting the incoming Iranian projectiles. "Most of the ballistic missiles were intercepted by aerial defence systems," indicating robust defensive capabilities, including the Iron Dome and other more advanced, albeit expensive, systems. However, the IDF acknowledged that "this defence, sadly, is not hermetic," confirming that some missiles did manage to penetrate and cause damage. The United States also played a critical role, with its ground-based air defense systems in the region assisting in shooting down Iranian missiles.
Iranian limitations were also evident. While Iran possesses a "vast arsenal of ballistic missiles stored in underground silos," unconfirmed reports suggest that Israel may have successfully targeted tunnel exits and launch infrastructure, potentially limiting Iran's ability to mobilize these weapons in the short term.
4. Lessons for India from the Iran-Israel Crisis and Operation Rising Lion
The Iran-Israel crisis and Operation Rising Lion offer invaluable strategic and operational insights for India, particularly given its complex geopolitical environment and evolving security challenges. India faces a unique "3.5-front war" scenario, encompassing persistent challenges from Pakistan and China, internal security threats, and growing instability in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar.
4.1 India's Evolving Doctrine: Proactive Deterrence and Calibrated Coercion
India's strategic calculus has demonstrably shifted, moving towards a more assertive posture centered on an evolving doctrine of "Proactive Deterrence underpinned by Calibrated Coercive Capability". This new doctrine redefines casus belli, treating major terror attacks not merely as criminal acts by non-state actors but as direct acts of war orchestrated and supported by a state.
Operation Sindoor, India's calibrated military response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, serves as a prime example of this evolving doctrine in action. Launched on May 7, 2025, it involved multi-domain precision strikes deep inside Pakistani territory against terrorist camps. The operation leveraged a composite air package including Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKIs, and Mirage-2000 aircraft, employing precision-guided munitions like SCALP and BrahMos missiles, along with Harop and SkyStriker drones.
4.2 Intelligence Integration and Covert Capabilities
Israel's success in Operation Rising Lion was inextricably linked to the deep integration and audacious execution of covert operations by Mossad, working in tandem with the IDF. The ability to establish a secret drone base and smuggle weapons systems into enemy territory to degrade air defenses prior to a major air assault is a testament to sophisticated intelligence penetration and operational synergy.
India possesses a robust intelligence apparatus, including the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) for foreign intelligence, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for domestic counter-intelligence, and specialized technical agencies. The Israeli model emphasizes the proactive, offensive integration of intelligence assets to shape the battlefield before conventional forces engage. For India, this means moving beyond traditional intelligence gathering to actively employing assets for preemptive disruption of adversary capabilities, particularly in contested border regions or against state-sponsored non-state actors.
4.3 Special Operations Forces Modernization and Unified Command
Israel's reliance on "surgical operation of advanced technologies, special forces and agents operating in the heart of Iran" highlights the indispensable role of highly trained and equipped special operations forces (SOF) in modern warfare. India has recognized this imperative and is actively boosting its special forces' capabilities for covert warfare and deep strategic operations.
Indian special forces, including the Army's Para-Special Forces, IAF's Garud commandos, and Navy's MARCOS, are undergoing significant upgrades. They are being equipped with advanced technology such as loitering munitions, nano drones, surveillance copters with FLIR payloads, and specialized weaponry.
A crucial area for further development, however, is the establishment of a full-fledged Special Operations Command. While the creation of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) has fostered "jointness and synergy" among the disparate forces , a unified command structure is essential for planning and executing strategic operations rather than merely tactical ones.
4.4 Indigenous Drone and AI Development
The Iranian counterstrike, characterized by "dozens of UAVs and close to 100 ballistic missiles" , and Israel's use of covert drones to strike missile launchers , underscore the transformative role of unmanned systems in contemporary conflict. For India, facing increasing drone proliferation from adversaries , accelerating indigenous drone and AI development is paramount.
India has made significant strides in its drone capabilities. Operation Sindoor saw the deployment of armed drones like Harop and Bengaluru-built SkyStriker suicide drones, capable of carrying 10kg warheads and operating as autonomous loitering munitions.
In the field of technology, self-reliance is extremely important because no country is willing to provide us with the most advanced technology. However, the technology we develop must be used in war and war-like situations, which helps us understand whether our weapon capabilities and technological capabilities are adequate. For example, we can use our BrahMos missiles, Akash Teer, and other 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) made weapons to assist countries in the South China Sea, and through this cooperation, we can understand how their capabilities work against China. This is because manufacturing weapons is not enough; it is also crucial to understand their effectiveness by using them in war-like situations or actual combat.
4.5 Multi-Domain Warfare and Strategic Communication
Operation Rising Lion and the Iranian counterstrike highlight that modern warfare is inherently multi-domain. Israel's success stemmed from its ability to synchronize kinetic strikes with deep intelligence, cyber operations, and information warfare. India's Operation Sindoor also marked a "strategic watershed" in South Asia, blending cyber, space, air, land, sea, and information warfare into a unified military doctrine.
India's shift towards Multi-Domain Warfare (MDW) is a response to asymmetric threats and hybrid warfare tactics. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's formal synchronization of capabilities across all six domains. Cyber units launched preemptive strikes to disable military communications, satellite coordination provided real-time geospatial intelligence, and electronic jamming played a decisive role.
5. Conclusions and Recommendations for India
The Iran-Israel crisis and Operation Rising Lion serve as a stark illustration of the evolving nature of modern warfare, characterized by preemptive strikes, deep intelligence integration, multi-domain operations, and the critical role of advanced technologies. Israel's ability to effectively cripple an Iranian counterstrike was not accidental but the result of years of strategic planning, significant investment in covert capabilities, and seamless synergy between its intelligence agencies and conventional military forces.
For India, a nation navigating complex geopolitical fault lines and facing persistent hybrid threats, the lessons are clear and actionable:
Deepen Intelligence-Military Integration and Offensive Covert Capabilities: India must move beyond traditional intelligence collection to actively leverage its intelligence agencies, particularly R&AW and DIA, for preemptive, offensive operations that can degrade adversary capabilities from within. This requires enhanced funding, specialized training, and a clear mandate for clandestine operations that directly support conventional military objectives, mirroring Mossad's role in Operation Rising Lion.
Accelerate Indigenous Development of Advanced Military Technologies: The conflict underscores the critical importance of domestic capabilities in drones, AI, and advanced air defense systems. India must prioritize true indigenization of critical drone components—sensors, propulsion, and AI-driven autonomy—to counter the cost asymmetry of massed drone attacks. Investment in AI-driven command and control systems, like IACCS, should be amplified to ensure real-time threat detection and response.
Establish a Unified Special Operations Command: While AFSOD is a positive step, a full-fledged, unified Special Operations Command is essential to integrate the disparate special forces units (Para-SF, Garuds, MARCOS) under a single strategic umbrella. This would enable more cohesive planning and execution of complex, multi-domain special operations, including deep strategic strikes and covert intelligence-led missions.
Refine and Operationalize Multi-Domain Warfare Doctrine: India's "Sindoor Doctrine" is a strong foundation, but its practical application across all six domains (cyber, space, air, land, sea, information) must be continually refined. This involves investing in robust cyber warfare capabilities for preemptive strikes and defense, enhancing space-based ISR and targeting capabilities, and integrating electronic warfare seamlessly into all operational plans.
Strengthen Strategic Communication and Information Dominance: Drawing from Israel's efforts to shape narratives and influence adversary populations, India needs to develop a sophisticated and proactive strategic communication apparatus. This involves not only publicizing its defensive measures and military strength but also actively countering adversary propaganda and fostering public support for its national security objectives.
Long-Term Strategic Planning and a Comprehensive Approach to Adversary Threats: India must develop a long-term, comprehensive strategy to protect its national interests and effectively counter persistent threats. This includes not only responding to immediate threats but also anticipating future potential threats and developing the necessary capabilities to neutralize them.
By adopting these recommendations, India can bolster its "Proactive Deterrence" posture, ensuring it possesses the comprehensive capabilities to safeguard its national interests and respond decisively to evolving security challenges in the complex geopolitical landscape.
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BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.