Tel Aviv: India is considering producing the Israeli Rampage missile domestically as part of its “Make in India” initiative, a move aimed at improving its long-range strike capabilities and reducing its dependence on defence imports.
The Indian military first acquired the missile in 2020 following clashes in the Galwan Valley with Pakistan, and it has since become a pillar of New Delhi’s long-range strike capabilities.
In Indian military service, the weapon is known as the High Speed Low Drag – Mark 2. It was developed for long-range, high-speed strike missions, allowing aircraft to attack targets deep inside enemy territory without entering the range of advanced air defence systems.
According to Indian reports on Operation Sindoor, Su-30 MKI fighter jets successfully launched Rampage missiles with high accuracy, which increased their operational value on the battlefield.
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems in response to a clear operational need of the future battlefield as “Stand-Off” namely munition dropped from outside the area protected by air defence missiles, the Rampage warhead, rocket and advanced navigation suit allow execution of the assault mission of high quality, well-protected targets with utmost precision.
The Rampage features optimal penetration capability into protected areas. Its focal precision prevents collateral damage at a very low mission cost compared with existing solutions. The Rampage can operate in any weather conditions, as well as day and night.
It offers simplified operation, with no need for a “man in the loop” and can be carried on a broad range of aircraft, manufactured by western or eastern countries. The total weight of the missile is 570 kg and is 4.7 metres long. The Rampage gains high velocity after launch and that makes its detection very hard.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
