IAI Harop

IAI Harop overview

The IAI Harop is a loitering munition developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as a successor to the earlier Harpy anti-radiation drone. First revealed around 2009, the Harop combines the autonomous anti-radiation capability of its predecessor with a man-in-the-loop control system and electro-optical sensor, allowing operators to visually identify and confirm targets before committing to attack. The Harop can loiter over a target area for up to 6 hours and carries a 23 kg high-explosive warhead.

The Harop gained significant operational recognition during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Azerbaijani forces used it to devastating effect against Armenian air defense systems, artillery positions, and vehicles. As of 2025, the Harop has been exported to multiple countries including India, Azerbaijan, Germany, and others. IAI has continued to develop the loitering munition family, introducing variants with improved range and warhead options. The Harop's significance lies in pioneering the modern loitering munition concept, demonstrating that relatively inexpensive unmanned systems can effectively suppress and destroy advanced air defense networks.

Armament

23 kg anti-radiation warhead (integral)

Development and operational timeline

1. Feb 2009IAI publicly reveals the Harop loitering munition system
2. Apr 2016Azerbaijan uses Harop in combat during April 2016 clashes
3. Sep 2020Harop plays key role destroying Armenian air defenses in Karabakh
4. Nov 2022India signs additional contract for Harop systems
5. May 2024IAI unveils improved Harop variant with extended range