India eyes joint production of Israeli missile systems

India is Israel’s largest defense customer, accounting for about 34% of the Jewish state’s defense exports from 2020 to 2024.

By JNS

India is in advanced talks to manufacture LORA (LOng Range Artillery) tactical ballistic missiles on license from Israel Aerospace Industries and Ice Breaker cruise missiles on license from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as part of its “Make in India” program, Globes reported on Sunday.

The negotiations follow a memorandum of understanding signed on Nov. 4 by Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Amir Baram and Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to boost cooperation.

A delegation from India’s Ministry of Defense recently visited Israel to discuss deals to procure and locally produce both missile systems, according to Globes, citing the India Defence Research Wing website.

India is Israel’s largest defense customer, accounting for about 34% of the Jewish state’s defense exports from 2020 to 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

“This strategic dialogue with India takes place at a critical juncture for both countries. Our partnership is based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests,” Baram said. “We view India as a first-rate strategic ally and are determined to continue deepening cooperation in defense, technology and industry.”