Why does India want to buy Israeli LORA missiles when Brahmos already exists?

Why is India interested in acquiring LORA missiles from Israel Aerospace Industries despite having the BrahMos, a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile? What features of LORA make it a preferable choice over BrahMos in certain scenarios? Will Pakistan face the fury of India and Isreal through their LORA missiles.

New Delhi: Recently, during 'Operation Sindoor,' India showed the power of its supersonic Brahmos missile to the whole world. Its accuracy and capability created panic in Pakistan and its supporting countries. Bhramos became an overnight success after Operation Sindoor. It did not only expose Pakistani defense but also shed light on the abortive Chinese air defense system.

The intrepid Indian Air Force divulged complete dominance over Pakistan and China. Despite this, the Indian Air Force is now showing interest in acquiring Israel's Long Range Artillery (LORA) missile.

According to reports, in the first week of July, the IAF started considering the possibility of buying LORA. In such a situation, the question arises that when India has a deadly missile like BrahMos, then why is LORA needed?

What is LoRa?

LORA is a semi-ballistic supersonic missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It has a strike range of 400-430 kilometers and is specially designed to be fired from fighter aircraft like the Sukhoi-30i-30 MKI. Its biggest feature is the "fire and forget" technology; that is, once launched, it can find and destroy its target on its own. Its ability to change its route and update target information during flight makes it more lethal.

Features of LoRa

• Strike range: 400-430 km
• Speed: About 6,174 km/
• Accuracy: Error less than 10 meters (CEP)
• Weight: About 1600 kg
• Navigation: GPS— and INS-based
• Anti-jamming capability
• Capable of targeting bunkers, airbases, naval bases, and command centers
• One Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft can carry 4 LORA missiles.

Why does India need LORA?

India already has long-range missiles like BrahMos, SCALP-EG, Pralay, and Rampage. Yet there are several strategic and technical reasons behind the interest in LoRa:

Enhancing aerial strike capability: LORA can be launched from the air and can fly high to attack from above, thereby evading enemy radars.

Technological diversity: BrahMos is a cruise missile that flies at low altitudes, while LORA follows a ballistic profile. The two have different technologies, giving the IAF more options.

Cost and production: LORA is cheaper than BrahMos (BrahMos costs around Rs 20–30 crore per unit). India wants to manufacture it indigenously in collaboration with Israel, which will give a boost to 'Make in India.'

Export potential: LORA is easy to store and transport and can also be exported to other countries. This could make India a new defense exporter.

Strategic message: The procurement and construction of LORA will send a clear message to Pakistan and its proxies—such as China and Turkey—that India is continually modernizing its weapons arsenal while moving toward self-reliance in the defense sector.