International news: After the success of the Rampage Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force is now considering the acquisition of a more advanced missile system from Israel. According to reports from the Indian Defence Research Wing, India is considering the Israeli-developed AIR LORA, a significantly upgraded version of the Long Range Artillery (LORA) missile by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Rampage Missile: Effective but Risky
During Operation Sindoor, the Rampage missile played a crucial role in striking key enemy targets, including the destruction of Pakistan's Sukkur Air Base. Integrated into the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft, the Rampage was also involved in successful operations targeting 11 additional Pakistani air bases. Despite its effectiveness, one major limitation was the missile’s operational range, which required Indian jets to fly close to enemy territory. This brought them within the reach of Pakistan’s advanced air defense systems like the HQ-9 and LY-80, developing a significant risk to pilots and aircraft.
AIR LORA: 400 km Strike, Zero Border Breach
To overcome these vulnerabilities, India is now exploring the inclusion of AIR LORA in its defence system. Introduced at AERO India 2025, this missile offers a much longer strike range of 400 kilometers. This extended range would allow Indian fighter jets to launch precision strikes from beyond the reach of enemy air defense systems, significantly enhancing crew safety. AIR LORA is built to target protected enemy installations such as air bases and command centers. Its integration with frontline aircraft like the Su-30MKI would highly increase India’s capability to conduct long-range, high-impact strikes.
Edge Against Pakistan and China
If India moves forward with the acquisition of AIR LORA, it would mark a considerable leap in the country’s air strike capabilities. The missile’s reach enables it to target high-value locations deep inside Pakistan, including strategic hubs like Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, and Karachi, without crossing into enemy airspace. AIR LORA’s capabilities could also be leveraged against strategic targets beyond the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This puts India in a much stronger tactical and strategic position.
A memorandum of understanding between IAI and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has influenced India’s interest in acquiring the AIR LORA missile. With its extended range, precision targeting, and enhanced safety profile, AIR LORA could soon become a vital asset in India's evolving defense strategy.
