The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively considering the possibility of locally producing the Israeli-origin Rampage air-to-ground missiles under the Government of India's "Make in India" initiative.

This strategic initiation is aimed at significantly boosting India's long-range precision strike capabilities and ensuring sustained self-reliance in defence production.

The Rampage missile, also known in the IAF as the High Speed Low Drag-Mark-2, is a supersonic, precision-guided weapon with a range of approximately 250 kilometres and a 150 kg warhead, capable of destroying high-value, well-protected targets.

It has already been integrated with frontline fighter aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29, and Rafale, enhancing the combat capabilities of these fleets.

The impetus for this initiative stems from the Rampage missile’s proven effectiveness during recent military operations, notably Operation Sindoor in 2025, where the missile was used with very high precision to neutralise terror hubs deep inside Pakistani territory.

The success of these operations has accelerated plans for large-scale procurement and has now pivoted toward the exploration of indigenous manufacturing under a licensed production agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This approach aligns with India's broader "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) policy, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign imports, cut procurement costs, and ensure reliable missile supply chains.

The local production arrangement is expected to involve collaboration between Indian defence companies — potentially including state-owned enterprises such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) or private sector players — and Israeli manufacturers.

Production facilities are anticipated to be operational by mid-2026, supporting not only domestic demand but potentially positioning India as a regional hub in the precision missile supply chain. This initiative would also entail significant technology transfer, skill development, and employment generation within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Furthermore, producing Rampage missiles domestically allows the IAF to increase the scale and speed of missile induction across its aircraft fleets while supporting India’s strategic autonomy in missile technology.

The initiative complements ongoing efforts to upgrade and diversify India's strike capabilities, including indigenous missile development projects and other foreign acquisitions. In the larger context, it fits into India’s defence modernisation trajectory, which includes expanding its missile arsenal, improving operational readiness, and fostering higher indigenous content in weapons manufacturing through the "Make in India" initiative.

The IAF’s focus on domestic production of Rampage missiles under the Make in India program represents a crucial step toward long-term self-reliance in high-precision strike weapons.

It promises to enhance India’s strategic deterrence, operational flexibility, and defence industrial growth, marking a significant advancement in India’s quest for greater defence technology sovereignty and regional security preparedness.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)