Israel Deploys Air LORA: Its Largest Air-Launched Ballistic Missile

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel has introduced a new air-launched ballistic missile designed to overcome advanced air defenses and deliver precise strikes announced by the Israel Aerospace Industries.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) officially revealed an air-launched version of its Air LORA (Long Range Artillery), a short-range ballistic missile initially designed for ground launch.

IAI showcased a full-scale model of the Air LORA at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2024, held from June 5-9.

IAI stated that the Air LORA can be launched from various aircraft, with firing mechanisms easily integrated into F-16 and F-35 jets. It can be deployed in “fire-and-forget” or autonomous mode, striking targets at supersonic speeds from a 90-degree angle, countering advanced air defenses. Utilizing GPS guidance for precision attacks, Air LORA offers Israeli air forces new offensive capabilities from longer ranges, keeping jets unexposed to enemy defenses.

The new weapon expands the arsenal of ballistic missiles and artillery rockets adapted for air launch. In recent years, Israeli arms manufacturers have developed a range of similar missiles. In 2018, Israel Military Industries introduced the Rampage missile, designed to destroy high-value enemy targets from the air at standoff ranges of up to an estimated 186 miles, similar to its Air LORA successor.

The announcement of Air LORA comes shortly after a similar-looking missile was reportedly used by Israel to target an Iranian ground-based air defense system, less than two months ago.

“Equipped with either blast fragmentation or deep penetration warheads, Air LORA is optimized for stand-off range accuracy, capable of striking targets with supersonic velocity within minutes,” Israel Aerospace Industries announced. “Air LORA strikes targets with precision, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing mission success.”

Approximately 17 feet long, Air LORA has a launch weight of just over 3,500 pounds, with the warhead accounting for around 1,300 pounds.

Latest Worthy News