India is set to move forward with plans to acquire and jointly manufacture Israel’s Long Range Artillery (LORA) ballistic missile system, according to reports emerging from Israeli media.
The development follows a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israel’s Defence Director General Amir Baram, signalling a deeper phase of defence cooperation between the two nations.
India’s interest in LORA has reportedly intensified after observing the operational use of Israel’s Rampage missile in recent encounters involving Pakistan. Although the Rampage—deployed from aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29—offers accuracy and a 250-kilometre range, its limited reach increases the exposure of Indian aircraft to sophisticated air-defence systems.
LORA, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries’ MLM division, addresses this vulnerability. With a reported strike range of up to 400 kilometres, the system enables India to target high-value enemy positions while keeping its aircraft beyond hostile detection and interception zones.
Weighing around 1,600 kilograms, the supersonic missile uses satellite-guided navigation designed to withstand electronic jamming. Its “fire-and-forget” capability means it needs no further input after launch. LORA can also be equipped with a variety of warheads, making it suitable for both hardened bunkers and softer targets.
India—already Israel’s largest defence customer, responsible for nearly 34% of its arms exports between 2020 and 2024—is also reportedly exploring the purchase of Israel’s “Ice Breaker” cruise missile. With a range of roughly 300 kilometres, all-weather capability, and AI-enabled infrared guidance, the Ice Breaker expands India’s options for precision strikes against land and sea targets.
The potential acquisition signals yet another significant boost to the growing India-Israel defence partnership and to India’s long-range offensive capabilities.
