Eyes On Pakistan, China? After BrahMos, India To Use Israel's LORA Missiles In Sukhoi SU-30MKI
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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.
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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.
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