Tel Aviv, Nov 11 (NationPress) India is not only aiming to acquire Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Air Lora ballistic missiles and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Ice Breaker cruise missiles, but is also looking to manufacture them under the 'Make in India' initiative, according to recent reports.

This move comes in the wake of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israeli Defence Director General Amir Baram, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between India and Israel.

“This strategic dialogue with India occurs at a critical moment for both nations. Our collaboration is built on profound mutual trust and shared security objectives. We consider India a premier strategic ally and are committed to furthering cooperation in defense, technology, and industry,” Baram was quoted as saying by Jewish News Syndicate.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the Israeli media outlet Globes reported that India represented approximately 34 percent of Israeli defence exports from 2020 to 2024, establishing it as the largest customer of Israel’s defence sector.

“Previous reports in India have indicated that India seeks Air Lora missiles following the significant success of the Rampage missiles during recent confrontations with Pakistan. The Rampage has a range of roughly 250 kilometers and is deployed by the Indian Air Force on Sukhoi 30 and MiG 29 aircraft. While it is highly accurate, its range exposes India’s combat aircraft to risks from Pakistan’s Chinese-manufactured air defense systems. The Air Lora missile, boasting a range of 400 kilometers, allows combat aircraft to strike targets without jeopardizing their safety against advanced air defenses,” the report detailed.

“Developed by IAI’s MLM Division, Air Lora is intended for targeting missile sites, military installations, and air defense systems without jeopardizing aircraft and pilots. The missile weighs 1,600 kilograms, travels at supersonic speeds, and employs satellite navigation resistant to disruption. One of its remarkable characteristics is that it is ‘fire and forget’, meaning that once launched, it requires no further guidance. It can carry diverse warheads, suitable for hitting both soft targets and bunkers. With its 400 kilometers range and precision within 10 meters, it will empower India to strike any Pakistani base,” it added.

The report emphasized that India has also shown interest in the Israeli 'Ice Breaker' cruise missile, capable of engaging land and sea targets at approximately 300 km.

“This missile is operational in all weather conditions, performs well in environments laden with electronic warfare, and incorporates infrared (IIR) navigation and missile guidance capabilities, which, enhanced by AI, can identify and acquire targets,” it noted.