Latest news with #LORA
India.com
14-07-2025
- India.com
What is LORA, why is India interested in this weapon after Brahmos? Bad news for Pakistan, China due to...
What is LORA, why is India interested in this weapon after Brahmos? Bad news for Pakistan, China due to... India's successful Brahmos missile demonstration during Operation Sindoor has raised questions about the Indian Air Force's reported interest in Israel's LORA missile. While the Brahmos possesses significant capabilities, the IAF is exploring the integration of LORA into aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 MKI. This consideration prompts inquiry into the rationale behind acquiring LORA given the existing Brahmos arsenal and whether LORA would serve as a replacement.
News18
10-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Eyes On Pakistan, China? After BrahMos, India To Use Israel's LORA Missiles In Sukhoi SU-30MKI
Curated By : Diksha Modi Translation Desk Last Updated: July 10, 2025, 18:44 IST India already operates the air-launched BrahMos missile from its modified Sukhoi-30MKIs. (PTI Photo) In a bold step that could dramatically transform India's long-range strike capabilities, the Indian Air Force is preparing to integrate Israel's LORA (Long Range Artillery) tactical ballistic missiles into its fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, alongside the already formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This move marks a significant leap in India's 'hit-first" military doctrine, designed not just to deter enemies, but to decisively disable them before they react. The combination of Sukhoi jets, BrahMos cruise missiles, and now LORA ballistic missiles forms what military analysts are calling a 'Super Strike Trio", a synergistic platform capable of executing deep-penetration strikes with devastating speed, precision, and flexibility. This triple-threat arsenal is expected to enhance India's operational readiness across Pakistan and China. What Is The LORA Missile? Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the LORA missile is a tactical ballistic missile boasting a range of 400 to 430 kilometres and equipped with a Circular Error Probability (CEP) of under 10 metres, allowing pinpoint accuracy with every launch. In layman's terms, this means at least half of the missiles fired will land within a 10-metre radius of their target, making them ideal for hitting fortified enemy bunkers, airstrips, and command centres. LORA can be launched from a wide variety of platforms – land-based launchers, naval ships, or mobile systems – offering flexibility that suits India's vast and varied geographical threats. What makes it even more appealing is its cost-effectiveness compared to other global options like the Rafale or the American F-35, allowing India to enhance its firepower without breaking the bank. BrahMos-LORA-Sukhoi India already operates the air-launched BrahMos missile from its modified Sukhoi-30MKIs, which has given the Air Force a powerful supersonic standoff weapon. BrahMos missiles, with speeds up to Mach 2.8 and ranges between 290 to 450 km, are capable of obliterating enemy radar installations, naval warships, and key military infrastructure in minutes. When paired with the Sukhoi's high-speed, long-range, and heavy payload capacity, BrahMos becomes a strategic tool. Now, with LORA in the mix, the capability jumps to a new level. While BrahMos can neutralise near-border targets in record time, LORA allows deep penetration into enemy territory – from PoK to Tibet, Karachi to Xinjiang – without a single Indian soldier crossing the border. This move aligns with India's emerging doctrine, first showcased in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a covert strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. India made it clear, that retaliation would no longer be symbolic or delayed but would be swift, surgical, and far beyond the traditional Line of Control. The planned deployment of LORA within the IAF's strike inventory is a direct extension of this philosophy. With no need for boots on the ground, and with missiles capable of near-surgical accuracy, India can target high-value enemy installations in difficult terrain, be it Pakistan's terror camps or China's military build-ups in Tibet. Israel's use of LORA during its recent standoff with Iran reportedly helped it execute precision strikes deep into Iranian territory without deploying ground forces. India, facing the constant shadow of a two-front war, sees clear parallels, and potential. Swipe Left For Next Video View all A senior defence official noted that if integrated successfully, LORA on the Sukhoi could offer India the ability to strike Islamabad or Lhasa from a distance without even breaching enemy airspace. According to sources, the government is preparing to sanction a defence acquisition package worth over Rs 60,000 crore to modernise and arm its indigenous fighter fleets, including the Tejas, with state-of-the-art strike systems like BrahMos and LORA. Given the comparative affordability of LORA, this move could rapidly multiply India's stand-off strike options across its Air Force, Navy, and even ground forces. view comments News india Eyes On Pakistan, China? After BrahMos, India To Use Israel's LORA Missiles In Sukhoi SU-30MKI Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
New teeth for the Su-30MKI: Israeli LORA could be India's next big strike weapon
The Indian Air Force wants more reach. Despite owning the formidable BrahMos, it's now looking at Israel Aerospace Industries ' Air-Launched Long-Range Artillery (Air LORA) missile. This comes hot on the heels of May's Operation Sindoor, where the Rampage missile got its first taste of combat and proved how vital stand-off range really is. Air LORA isn't a minor tweak. It's a quasi-ballistic, supersonic missile that flies about 400–430 kilometres and lands within ten metres of its target. That means deep strikes without putting pilots and jets into the teeth of enemy air defences. According to IAI, 'Air LORA addresses these operational challenges with unparalleled efficiency and precision.' What sets LORA apart LORA isn't your typical cruise missile. It blends ballistic missile traits with air-launch flexibility. Instead of hugging the ground like BrahMos, it soars on a high, depressed trajectory. That makes it trickier to shoot down. Its fire-and-forget design frees pilots to turn home the moment it's away. Need to change the target mid-flight? LORA can adjust its course while screaming in at Mach 5. Its navigation uses GPS and an Inertial Navigation System, protected by anti-jamming tech — handy when facing sophisticated electronic warfare. LORA also skips an active seeker. Fewer moving parts, less cost, same deadly accuracy. Live Events Quick Specs Range: 400–430 km Speed: Supersonic, about Mach 5 Accuracy: Less than 10-metre CEP Warhead: Blast fragmentation or deep-penetration, up to 570 kg Weight: 1,600 kg; Length: 5.2 metres One Su-30MKI can carry up to four of these. That's enough to ruin an enemy's runway, radar and command centre in a single sortie. Why buy when BrahMos exists? BrahMos isn't going anywhere. It's a heavyweight supersonic cruise missile flying low and fast, perfect for punching through hardened defences. But BrahMos is big, heavy, pricey and demands special aircraft tweaks. LORA complements it. Lighter, cheaper, easier to deploy across more jets. Its lofted trajectory makes it a better fit for hitting well-defended, high-value targets deep inside enemy territory. A BrahMos might smash open the gates. LORA finishes the job by knocking out command posts or radar grids before the enemy knows what hit them. Made in India: The local edge Back in 2023, IAI and Bharat Electronics Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-produce advanced missile systems. If LORA gets the green light, expect licensed production under Make in India . That means jobs, tech transfer, and a chance for India to export sophisticated stand-off missiles one day. At an estimated $1–5 million per missile, it's not pocket change — but for this reach and accuracy, it's well within reason. Of course, new toys bring new headaches. Integrating LORA onto Indian fighters will need time, tests and trials. Its resistance to jamming and ability to slip through modern air defences must be proven over India's varied terrain. It also needs to prove its worth against homegrown options like BrahMos or the upcoming Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile. Still, the logic is clear: LORA fills a gap BrahMos alone can't cover. Different missile, different fight. The IAF wants to launch first squadrons of LORA by 2026–27. If that happens, India's air strike playbook gets deeper and more flexible overnight. One missile won't change the balance alone — but pair it with BrahMos and India's pilots gain a powerful mix of punch, range and surprise. Sometimes you want to hit hard. Sometimes you want to reach far. LORA lets you do both — without crossing the line of fire. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
India.com
10-07-2025
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get this lethal missile, its deadlier than BrahMos, speed is..., the name is....
Air LORA is a more advanced supersonic missile than India's BrahMos. (File) LORA missile: India's BrahMos missile showcased its devastating power during Operation Sindoor in the recent India-Pakistan war, decimating Pakistani military infrastructure, including key airbases, and now there is more bad news for New Delhi's enemies like China and Pakistan as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly mulling to acquire the Israeli-made Air-Launched Long-Range Artillery (LORA) missile. How powerful is the LORA missile? The Air-launched version of the LORA missile which the IAF is considering, is a quasi-ballistic supersonic missile that follows a lower trajectory compared to traditional ballistic missiles, making it difficult for air defenses to intercept. The Air LORA is a fire-and-forget, enabling the pilot to disengage immediately after launch as the missile is capable of mid-course correction, allowing mid-flight. The LORA missile uses GPS as well as Inertial Navigation System (INS) for navigation, and also features anti-jamming technology, allowing precision strikes even when electronic counter measures (ECM) are deployed. Another unique feature of AIR LORA is its seeker-less design which significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining precision and accuracy. The supersonic missile, designed and developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), can be equipped blast fragmentation or deep-penetration warheads, making it a versatile weapon for taking out a wide range targets, such as airbases, command centers, or even hardened bunkers. Why IAF wants the Air LORA missile? The Air LORA has range between 400–430 kilometers, which would give IAF fighter jets the capability to launch strikes on enemy targets, while staying well beyond the range of their air defense systems (ADs). The Israeli missile is capable of reaching supersonic speeds of up to Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), making it difficult for enemy ADs to intercept. Air LORA measures 5.2 meters in length, weighs 1600 kg, and can carry warheads weighing up to 570 kg. The AIR LORA is a stand-off weapon, means it can deployed without entering enemy airspace. This capability is essential for Indian fighter aircraft to strike deep inside enemy territory without entering contested airspace, especially considering India's volatile border challenges. One Su-30 MKI can carry up to four AIR LORA missiles, enabling a single fighter jet to carry out precision strikes against multiple enemy targets. What's the current status of deal to acquire LORA missiles? According to media reports, the IAF expressed interest in the LORA missile following the successful deployment of the Rampage missile during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. In 2023, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and IAI had signed an MoU for the joint manufacturing and technology transfer of LORA and other defense systems. The deal is still under discussion, and will drastically reducing the manufacturing cost of the LORA missiles, if it goes through. At present, a single unit of Air LORA costs between $1 million to $5 million, depending on the configuration and payload, making it comparatively 'cheaper' than similar long-range missile systems.
India.com
10-07-2025
- India.com
LORAs Lethal Edge: How This Israeli Missile Could Hit Karachi, China Bases For India? EXPLAINED
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking into adding Israel's Air Long Range Attack (LORA) missile to its frontline fighter jets, including the Su-30MKI. This important step comes even though India already has a strong BrahMos missile arsenal. It marked a new chapter in the IAF's offensive capabilities, especially after the successful use of the Rampage missile in 'Operation Sindoor'. The LORA missile has a range of 400-430 km and is expected to allow safer deep strikes into enemy territory. It will work alongside the BrahMos and greatly improve the IAF's aerial strength. What Is The LORA Missile? The LORA is a supersonic quasi-ballistic missile created by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for air-launched use from fighter planes like the Su-30MKI. Its main features include: Range : 400-430 km, allowing long-range targeting of enemy positions. : 400-430 km, allowing long-range targeting of enemy positions. Speed : About 6,174 km/h (Mach 5+). : About 6,174 km/h (Mach 5+). Accuracy : A Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters, ensuring high precision. : A Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters, ensuring high precision. Guidance System : Utilises 'fire-and-forget' technology with mid-course update capabilities. : Utilises 'fire-and-forget' technology with mid-course update capabilities. Application: Perfect for deep and surgical strikes on critical targets such as enemy command centers or radar sites. The IAF's interest in the LORA has reportedly grown after the Rampage missile's success during 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025, where Indian Air Force Jaguar jets conducted precise strikes on Pakistan's Sukkur air base. How LORA Differs From BrahMos? India already uses the BrahMos, a joint Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile with a range of 290-450 km (latest versions) and speeds of Mach 2.8-3. The need for LORA arises from their differences: - Trajectory & Range: BrahMos is a low-altitude cruise missile that flies close to sea level, allowing it to evade enemy air defenses. LORA, on the other hand, is a quasi-ballistic missile launched from high altitudes, using a lofted trajectory to avoid radar detection and enable strikes up to 430 km deep. - Cost & Exportability: BrahMos, as a joint project, is relatively costly (Rs 20-30 crore per missile) and has limited export options. LORA is expected to be more affordable and easier to export, simplifying procurement and deployment. - Aircraft Compatibility: BrahMos demands significant modifications for Su-30MKI integration, limiting the number of compatible aircraft. LORA is designed for easier integration with existing Su-30MKI platforms, allowing for quicker and wider use. - Strategic Flexibility: BrahMos is suited for heavy strikes on fortified targets like bunkers. LORA is lighter, more precise, and has a longer range, making it better for pre-emptive strikes on key assets like command and control centers or radar systems. Consequently, the IAF sees LORA as a complementary weapon, not a replacement for BrahMos. Each missile fulfills different strategic needs. Rationale Behind LORA's Acquisition - 'Operation Sindoor' Success: The Rampage missile's success in May 2025 highlighted the importance of long-range standoff missiles. This strengthened the IAF's drive for similar capabilities with LORA for secure deep strikes. - Threat from Pakistan and China: LORA's high trajectory and speed may help counter advanced air defense systems, such as those in Pakistan and China's HQ-9 missiles. Its range of 400-430 km allows strikes on vital targets in cities like Karachi, Rawalpindi, or Chinese bases along the LAC without needing aircraft to get too close to enemy borders. - 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' & Export Potential: There is a possibility for LORA to be made in India in cooperation with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and IAI. This would promote technology transfer, create local jobs, and position India as a missile exporter as part of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. - BrahMos Limitations: The heavy weight (2.5 tonnes) and limited aircraft compatibility of BrahMos make it less suitable for all missions. LORA's lighter and more flexible design offers versatility for various operations. Combining LORA and BrahMos The IAF aims to use both missile systems for improved operational flexibility: BrahMos : For heavy, rapid strikes against large enemy targets. : For heavy, rapid strikes against large enemy targets. LORA: For accurate, deep, and pre-emptive strikes to neutralise command centers and radar systems. For example, in a combat scenario where suppressing enemy air defenses is necessary, BrahMos could be used for initial large-scale destruction, followed by LORA to target specific high-value assets. This dual-missile approach would give the IAF a considerable strategic edge. Future Outlook The IAF is currently in talks with IAI and BEL about bringing in LORA. If everything goes as planned, the first squadron of LORA missiles (18 units) could be ready by 2026-27. This development is expected to greatly strengthen India's aerial strike capabilities against regional threats like China and Pakistan, enhancing the IAF's overall combat effectiveness.
