India’s Deep-Strike Ambition: Localizing Israel’s Rampage and Exploring Air-Launched LORA

India is preparing to expand its indigenous defense capabilities by considering local production of Israel’s long-range Rampage missile under the government’s flagship “Make in India” initiative. The move reflects New Delhi’s strategic push to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers while strengthening its long-range strike arsenal amid intensifying regional security challenges.

Rampage: Combat-Proven in Operation Sindoor

India first inducted the Rampage in 2020, and it has since become a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) precision strike capability. On May 10, 2025, during Operation Sindoor, the Rampage was used in combat for the first time. Jaguars and Su-30MKI strike aircraft launched the missile against Pakistan’s Sukkur airbase, as well as high-value targets in Bahalwanpur and Muridke.

Developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israel Military Industries (IMI), the Rampage is designed for long-range, high-speed strikes against fortified targets. Its defining advantage lies in enabling aircraft to hit targets deep inside hostile territory while staying beyond the reach of advanced enemy air defense systems.

For India, which already operates the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, the Rampage adds a complementary capability—fast, stand-off, and cost-effective precision engagement.

“Make in India” Push for Local Production

Discussions are underway between Indian and Israeli defense officials to begin local production of the Rampage. Defense sources indicate that the arrangement would:

Enable large-scale domestic production, ensuring consistent supply.

Reduce dependency on foreign deliveries, critical during crises.

Enhance technology transfer and integration, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

According to CEOWORLD magazine data, the Rampage—also known in India as the High-Speed Low Drag Mark-2 (HSLD Mk-2)—is already integrated on Su-30MKI, Jaguar, and MiG-29 aircraft, with rapid deployment timelines. The IAF’s long-term plan is to equip its entire strike fleet with the missile, while exploring integration with future platforms.

Expanding Horizons: Interest in Israel’s Air-Launched LORA

Beyond the Rampage, the IAF is also exploring the Air-Launched Long-Range Artillery (Air LORA) missile from Israel. Bharat Electronics has signed a memorandum of understanding with IAI to locally produce the system under license, underscoring the deepening defense partnership.

The Air LORA is an advanced air-launched ballistic missile, derived from the ground-launched LORA system. Key features include:

• Operational Range: 90–430 kilometers
• Speed: Up to Mach 5
• Accuracy: Circular Error Probable (CEP) < 10 meters
• Warheads: Blast-fragmentation and deep-penetration types, weighing up to 570 kilograms
• Dimensions: 1,600 kg total weight; 5.2 meters length

The system provides a unique blend of speed, survivability, and precision, allowing IAF aircraft to engage hardened, high-value targets from stand-off distances.

“India’s decision to localize production of Israel’s Rampage missile and explore air-launched LORA reflects both strategic foresight and economic pragmatism. By embedding advanced strike capabilities within its own defense ecosystem, India not only ensures operational independence in times of crisis but also strengthens its long-term industrial base under the ‘Make in India’ vision. This move is more than an upgrade in firepower—it is a clear signal of India’s determination to secure its sovereignty, stimulate domestic innovation, and position itself as a formidable player in next-generation aerospace and defense.” — Prof. Dr. Amarendra Bhushan Dhiraj, Executive Chair, CEO & Editorial Director, CEOWORLD Magazine.

Complementing India’s Missile Arsenal

India already fields an expanding arsenal of precision-guided strike systems:

• BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile with a 300–500 km range, co-developed with Russia.
• SCALP-EG: Air-launched cruise missile for Rafale jets, ~500 km range.
• Pralay: Short-range ballistic missile with ~500 km range, designed for conventional deep-strike roles.
• Rampage: High-speed air-to-ground missile, now combat-proven.

The proposed induction of Air LORA would not replace these systems but augment them, filling a crucial capability gap in air-launched ballistic precision strikes. This diversification provides planners with multiple strike options across platforms, ranges, and threat environments.

Strategic Implications

The decision to localize Rampage production and explore Air LORA integration reflects broader shifts in India’s defense posture:

• Operational Independence: By reducing reliance on external suppliers, India ensures greater autonomy in wartime contingencies.
• Technology Absorption: Co-production agreements pave the way for indigenous development of next-generation missile technologies.
• Regional Balance: With Pakistan and China both modernizing their missile forces, India is signaling its intent to maintain a credible deterrent.
• Economic Impact: Local production supports India’s defense industrial base, creating jobs and fostering high-value manufacturing.
• Investor Relevance: Global defense contractors, private equity firms, and institutional investors eyeing India’s $100+ billion defense modernization program may find opportunities in co-production, joint ventures, and supply-chain partnerships.

The Bottom Line

India’s consideration of local Rampage missile production, alongside potential induction of the Air LORA, highlights the country’s ambition to strengthen its deep-strike capabilities while advancing its “Make in India” agenda.

For policymakers, defense analysts, and investors, this signals two clear messages:

• India is expanding its precision-strike toolkit, ensuring credible deterrence in a volatile region.
• New Delhi is committed to building a self-reliant defense industrial base, creating opportunities for global collaboration and investment.

In an era where advanced missile systems shape both battlefield outcomes and geopolitical leverage, India’s deepening partnership with Israel represents a decisive step toward future-proofing its strike capabilities and asserting its strategic autonomy.

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