India is considering local production of Israel’s long-range Rampage missile under the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
The Indian Army first acquired the missile in 2020 following the Galwan clash with China. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of India’s long-range strike capability.
On May 10, 2025, during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) used the Rampage in combat for the first time. Jaguars and Su-30MKI strike aircraft launched the missile against Pakistan’s Sukkur airbase and other targets at Bahalwanpur and Muridke.
In Indian service, the weapon is designated as the High Speed Low Drag-Mark 2. Developed for long-range, high-speed strike missions, the Rampage allows aircraft to engage targets deep inside hostile territory without entering the engagement envelope of advanced air defense systems.
According to accounts from Operation Sindoor, Su-30MKI fighters successfully launched Rampage missiles with high precision, underscoring their battlefield utility.
India began procuring the Rampage in 2020–2021 amid growing tensions with China along the Ladakh border. The weapon has since been integrated into IAF modernization plans, which aim to strengthen deterrence and provide options for long-range strikes. Alongside the Rampage, the IAF also operates the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, giving planners multiple choices for deep strike missions.
Discussions are now underway to produce the Rampage locally in cooperation with Israel. Officials say that such an arrangement would allow large-scale production in India, ensure security of supply, and reduce dependence on foreign deliveries. The move would also align with the broader Make in India initiative, which is designed to expand the domestic defense industrial base.
At the same time, the IAF is pressing to expand other indigenous capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been tasked with extending the range of the Astra air-to-air missile and accelerating development of the long-range “Project Kusha” air defense system. India is also considering additional purchases of Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries, which the IAF views as critical to deterring adversary aircraft.
