What is LORA, why is India interested in this weapon after Brahmos? Bad news for Pakistan, China due to…
Even after having a powerful long-range supersonic cruise missile like BrahMos, India is looking to buy another dangerous missile to strengthen the Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force is exploring the integration of LORA into aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 MKI. Long-Range Artillery (LORA) is a supersonic semi-ballistic missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Capable of launching from air, the missile is capable of attacking targets from 400–430 km away. LORA is designed to be launched from fighter aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 MKI. Because of the missile’s speed, it is difficult for the enemy to intercept it during an attack. The missile system allows it to adopt a flexible route to target the enemy. Equipped with a ‘launch and forget’ system, it can be guided mid-way and can easily hit the designated target on its own.
What Are The Other Features Of LORA?
LORA has a range of 400-430 km, which means it can hit targets in Pakistan and China. The speed of the supersonic semi-ballistic missile is 6,174 km/h and it is capable of hitting the target with accuracy with a circular error probability (CEP) of 10 meters. LORA is for safe attack on high-value targets like enemy command centers and radar systems. The length of this missile is 5.2 meters and its weight is 1600 kg.
The missile uses both GPS and an Inertial Navigation System (INS) to find the target. It is also equipped with anti-jamming system. Capable of targeting bunkers, airbases, naval bases, and command centers.
Notably, a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet, used by the IAF, can carry as many as four LORA missiles. It means that only one fighter jet can destroy four major targets through LORA during a single flight.
Why Is This Needed?
India possesses a range of long-range, high-precision missiles. These include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (300-500 km range), the SCALP-EG missile integrated into Rafale jets (500 km range), the Pralay short-range ballistic missile (500 km range), and the Rampage air-to-ground missile, all of which have been successfully deployed.
Why Is The IAF showing Interest In Buying LORA?
The IAF wants to increase its air strike capability, taking the Made in India initiative campaign further. India wants to make LORA in the country itself with Israel’s cooperation. According to a report in the Eurasian Times, BrahMos is a low-altitude cruise missile that flies close to sea level which makes it unstoppable. It can easily penetrate the enemy’s air defence system. On the other hand, LORA is a quasi-ballistic missile that can be launched from a height. After being launched, it adopts an upward trajectory. It helps in dodging enemy radars and is capable of destroying any target under 430 km.
Setback for Pakistan’s helpers
Brahmos is jointly made by India and Russia. It is more expensive as compared to LORA. The cost per unit of BrahMos is around Rs 20 to 30 crore, on the other hand, LORA is cheaper and exportable. These are the reasons why India is looking at a new role and scope in defence exports through LORA.
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