What are 'game-changer' Air Lora missiles? Report claims Indian Air Force is planning to procure these from Israel

The Indian Air Force is reportedly considering the procurement of Air Lora missiles developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). 

 

Air Lora air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBM) are designed for missions against high-value, well-protected targets such as command centres, air force bases, critical infrastructure, and naval vessels in dense littorals. IAI claims Air Lora is a game-changer in air-to-ground missile technology, providing accurate and survivable attack capabilities.

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In 2023, IAI and state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) had inked an MoU for cooperation in addressing India’s requirements in the domain of Short Range Air Defence Systems. BEL had then said the MoU would empower the Indian industry to make major contributions towards equipping India's armed forces with state-of-the-art Short Range Air Defence Systems.

 

According a report by defence news website IDRW, India's interest in the missile builds on this partnership between the two companies as the MoU ensures technology transfer. 

 

Capabilities of Air Lora

 

The fire-and-forget Air Lora is equipped with either blast fragmentation or deep penetration warheads, and boasts of supersonic speed and high accuracy, with less than 10 metre circular error probability. It has high survivability, all-weather operation, and offers seamless integration to various aircraft. Its integration, training and ease of use are designed to ensure the most rapid initial operational capabilities (IOC) for an ALBM.

 

According to IAI, Air Lora is optimised for stand-off range accuracy, capable of striking targets with supersonic velocity within minutes.

 

"Air Lora's advanced INS/GPS navigation and robust GNSS anti-jamming capabilities, together with supersonic speed and maximal attack angle ensure high survivability and mission success in contested environments and extreme weather conditions," the company said, adding that its ability to adapt to changing target locations and its advanced guidance systems make it a vital asset in modern aerial strike missions.

 

 

 

Defence