IAF Exploring To Manufacture Rampage Missile

The IAF is actively considering the possibility of locally producing the Israeli-origin Rampage air-to-ground missiles under the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative.

IAF Exploring To Manufacture Rampage Missile

The IAF is actively considering the possibility of locally producing the Israeli-origin Rampage air-to-ground missiles under the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative. The Rampage missile, also known in the IAF as the High Speed Low Drag-Mark-2, is a supersonic, precision-guided weapon with a range of approximately 250 kilometres and a 150 kg warhead, capable of destroying high-value, well-protected targets.

It has already been integrated with frontline fighter aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29, and Rafale, enhancing the combat capabilities of these fleets. The impetus for this initiative stems from the Rampage missile’s proven effectiveness during recent military operations, notably Operation Sindoor in 2025, where the missile was used with very high precision to neutralise terror hubs deep inside Pakistani territory.

The local production arrangement is expected to involve collaboration between Indian defence companies — potentially including state-owned enterprises such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) or private sector players — and Israeli manufacturers. India first inducted the Rampage in 2020–21, following tensions with China in eastern Ladakh. The missile is designed for high-speed, long-range precision strikes, giving aircraft the ability to hit targets deep inside enemy territory while staying out of range of air defence systems.

India’s Long-Range Air-to-Ground Missiles (AGMs)

BrahMos-A (Air-Launched Version)

Range: ~450–800 km (latest extended range version tested)

Speed: Mach 2.8 – 3.0 (Supersonic)

Platform: Su-30MKI (primary), future integration planned on Rafale.

Role: Precision strike against land and sea targets.

Rudram-1 (NGARM – New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile)

Range: ~150–250 km

Speed: Supersonic

Platform: Su-30MKIRole: Destroys enemy radars, air defence systems.

🚧 Under Development / Testing

3. Rudram-2
   • Range: ~300 km
   • Type: Supersonic air-to-ground anti-radiation/strike missile
   • Platform: Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000
4. Rudram-3
   • Range: ~550 km
   • Type: Hypersonic-capable strike & SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) missile
   • Status: Development phase
5. SCALP-EG (Storm Shadow)(French origin, in Indian service)
   • Range: ~300–500 km
   • Platform: Rafale fighters of the IAF
   • Role: Long-range precision deep-strike against fortified ground targets.
6. Nirbhay (Air-Launched Version – Future)
   • Range: ~1000 km+
   • Subsonic cruise missile (akin to Tomahawk)
   • Status: Ground/land version already tested; air-launched variant planned.

🔮 Future / Proposed

7. BrahMos-NG (Next Generation, air-launched)
   • Range: ~290–450 km
   • Smaller, lighter version of BrahMos
   • Can be carried by Tejas Mk1A, Rafale, and Su-30MKI.
8. Hypersonic Air-Launched Cruise Missile (BrahMos-II / HSTDV based)
   • Range: ~600–800 km (planned)
   • Speed: Mach 6–7 (Hypersonic)
   • Status: Under development