New Delhi: India is set to procure around 1,000 Rafael SPICE air-to-surface precision-guided missiles, significantly strengthening its aerial strike capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges. The acquisition reflects New Delhi’s continued focus on enhancing standoff precision warfare and reducing vulnerability to electronic jamming.
The SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) missile family is known for its advanced autonomous navigation and homing technology. Unlike GPS-dependent systems, SPICE uses an electro-optical seeker combined with real-time image-matching algorithms, allowing it to accurately strike targets with a circular error of less than three metres, even in GPS-denied environments.
India already operates SPICE-2000 and SPICE-1000 variants, which have been successfully integrated with Indian Air Force platforms such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and TEJAS fighter aircraft. The proposed addition of 1,000 more missiles will substantially enhance India’s ability to conduct deep, precision strikes while remaining outside hostile air defence envelopes.
The move follows heightened security concerns after recent regional tensions and underscores India’s increasing reliance on Israeli defence technology. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has emerged as the largest customer of Israeli defence exports, accounting for roughly 34 per cent of total sales between 2020 and 2024.
Defence cooperation between the two nations has intensified in recent months. Senior defence officials from India and Israel have signed agreements to deepen strategic ties, while discussions are ongoing for the acquisition of additional advanced systems, including Air LORA ballistic missiles and Ice Breaker cruise missiles, with provisions for local manufacturing in India.
The SPICE procurement aligns with India’s broader strategy to diversify its precision-guided munitions and strengthen deterrence against technologically advanced air defence systems in the region. It also supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through technology transfer, local production, and skill development involving Indian public and private defence manufacturers.
With this acquisition, India is poised to further enhance its standoff strike capability, operational flexibility, and preparedness for modern, high-intensity conflicts, reinforcing its position as a leading air power in the region.
