India Reportedly Eyes Israel’s LORA Missile System for Long-Range Precision Strikes

India Reportedly Eyes Israel’s LORA Missile System for Long-Range Precision Strikes

New Delhi, November 2025 — India is reportedly in talks with Israel to acquire and co-produce the LORA (Long Range Artillery) tactical ballistic missile, a precision-strike system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

According to reports from Israeli media, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israeli Defense Director General Amir Baram to expand defense collaboration between the two nations.

Expanding India-Israel Defense Ties

The potential acquisition comes amid growing India–Israel defense cooperation. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India accounted for roughly 34% of Israel’s total defense exports between 2020 and 2024, making it Israel’s largest defense customer.

LORA: Capabilities and Strategic Utility

Developed by IAI’s MLM Division, the LORA missile system offers an operational range of up to 400 kilometers, significantly extending strike capabilities compared to India’s existing Rampage air-launched missile (approximately 250 km). LORA’s solid-fuel propulsion, satellite-based guidance system, and fire-and-forget functionality make it suitable for precision engagements against fortified targets.

The missile, weighing around 1,600 kilograms, travels at supersonic speeds and is capable of deploying multiple warhead types — including high-explosive and penetration variants — for tactical and strategic missions.

Why LORA Matters to India

India’s reported interest in the LORA system may stem from operational experiences with the Rampage missile, used during regional tensions with Pakistan. While Rampage provides accurate standoff strike capability, its shorter range exposes launch aircraft to hostile air defenses. LORA, by contrast, allows Indian forces to strike from well beyond enemy radar coverage, aligning with India’s doctrine of deep precision strikes and networked warfare.

Broader Defense Collaboration

Beyond LORA, reports indicate that India is also exploring Israel’s Ice Breaker cruise missile — a 300 km-range precision weapon designed for both land and naval operations. The Ice Breaker employs AI-assisted infrared navigation and is built to function in electronic warfare-saturated environments, underscoring India’s interest in next-generation missile systems.

Strategic Outlook

If the deal progresses, it could represent a significant milestone in India’s missile modernization efforts, complementing indigenous systems such as BrahMos, Agni, and Prithvi. Collaboration with Israel could further enhance India’s precision-strike capabilities, particularly in contested or high-threat regions.

No official confirmation has been made by the Indian Ministry of Defence or Israel Aerospace Industries regarding the LORA deal. However, defense observers note that such cooperation fits into India’s broader push for self-reliance in advanced weapon technologies under its ‘Make in India’ initiative.

What’s Next

If finalized, the LORA partnership would strengthen bilateral defense production and potentially position India as a co-producer of advanced tactical ballistic systems for regional and global markets. Both nations are expected to issue formal statements if the MoU leads to a production agreement.

LORA Tactical Ballistic Missile System – Full Specifications