SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy is set to significantly enhance its strike capabilities with the induction of the indigenously produced Long-Range Artillery (LORA) missile system. Developed jointly by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the LORA is a game-changer in precision land attack weaponry.
Initially procured directly from IAI, the LORA is now being manufactured domestically, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defense production. This naval variant of the missile is designed to be deployed from warships, offering a potent long-range strike capability.
The LORA is a unique weapon system that bridges the gap between artillery and ballistic missiles. Its quasi-ballistic trajectory allows it to reach targets faster than conventional artillery while offering a longer range. With a maximum range of 400 kilometers and a payload capacity of 600 kilograms, the LORA can be equipped with various warheads, including high-explosive, cluster munitions, and thermobaric options.
The missile’s compact design, with four missiles housed in a single container, makes it ideal for naval platforms, requiring minimal deck space. This feature is crucial for optimizing the limited space available on warships.
The integration of the LORA missile system into the Indian Navy’s arsenal marks a significant milestone in the country’s naval modernization efforts. It provides the navy with a versatile and precise weapon capable of neutralizing a wide range of targets, enhancing its overall combat effectiveness.