India to Ink Rs 78,217-Crore Defence Deal with Israel for Advanced Missiles

• India is set to sign a major defence deal worth $8.7 billion (Rs 78,217 crore) with Israel for advanced missiles and precision-guided bombs.
• The package includes SPICE-1000 bombs, Rampage air-to-surface missiles, Air LORA ballistic missiles, and the Ice Breaker missile system.
• The deal, cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, aims to boost the Indian Air Force's deep-strike capabilities amid heightened border security concerns.
• Key features include transfer of technology by end of 2025, with BEL and HAL manufacturing Air LORA and Ice Breaker missiles in India.
• India remains Israel's largest arms buyer, accounting for 34% of its defence exports between 2020-2024.

Why It Matters: India's massive defence deal with Israel significantly upgrades air power and boosts indigenous manufacturing.