The Indian Air Force (IAF) is evaluating the potential acquisition of the Air-Launched Long-Range Artillery (Air LORA) ballistic missile system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This advanced missile system is designed to enhance precision strike capabilities against fortified and high-value targets from significant stand-off distances, as confirmed by defence sources.
This consideration follows the recent Operation Sindoor, which reportedly exposed vulnerabilities in India’s long-range air strike options, subsequently accelerating the IAF’s focus on acquiring next-generation missile systems. The growing interest in the Air LORA system builds upon an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IAI and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in 2023. This agreement aims to foster joint development and indigenous production of advanced air defence technologies, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The Air LORA system demonstrates impressive attributes, enabling operational strikes on critical targets such as command-and-control facilities, strategic airbases, naval assets, and essential infrastructure situated up to 430 kilometres away. It features the capability for dynamic target updates, with a minimum engagement range of 90 kilometres, facilitating real-time mission planning and execution.
Characterized by IAI as a “revolutionary advancement” in air-to-ground system technologies, the missile operates at supersonic speeds and offers options for blast fragmentation or deep penetration warheads. Post-launch, the system is fully autonomous, and it can be integrated with existing aircraft, functioning either as a standalone weapon or through onboard avionics systems.
Air LORA’s resilience in complex environments is enhanced by sophisticated inertial navigation systems (INS), GPS guidance, and robust anti-jamming capabilities. Its high speed and steep attack angles enable it to evade conventional air defences, which is crucial for mission success, even in adverse weather conditions.
BEL has emphasized that its collaboration with IAI not only aims to meet Indian military requirements but also to promote broader participation from domestic industries in the development of advanced missile technologies. This partnership reflects a commitment to strengthening India’s defence capabilities and enhancing its technological prowess in the sector.
If the deal is finalized, it is expected to bolster Indo-Israeli defence relations further and reinforce India’s status as a capable power in precision strike operations across the Indo-Pacific region. The acquisition of the Air LORA system could play a vital role in shaping the future of India’s military capabilities, particularly in addressing modern warfare challenges.
