India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the purchase of SPICE 1000 guidance kits from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as part of a substantial $8.7 billion defense procurement package.
About the SPICE System#
The SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) family represents some of the most advanced air-to-ground weapon systems available today. Developed by Rafael, the system has earned the prestigious Israel Defense Prize for its technological achievements.
Key capabilities of the SPICE 1000 include:
- Range: Up to 100 kilometers
- Weight: Approximately 500 kilograms
- Accuracy: Less than three meters from target
- Navigation: GPS-independent autonomous guidance using electro-optical homing and advanced algorithms
The system’s most significant advantage lies in its ability to navigate autonomously without GPS dependency. Using an electro-optical homing head combined with innovative mathematical algorithms, the weapon compares stored target imagery with real-time observations to achieve exceptional strike accuracy.
Why India Needs These Weapons#
India’s conflict with Pakistan in May 2025 highlighted the country’s need for advanced precision-strike capabilities. The engagement demonstrated gaps in India’s arsenal that Israeli defense technology can help address.
This procurement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in early November between India’s Director General of the Ministry of Defense and his Israeli counterpart to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
India: Israel’s Largest Defense Customer#
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounts for approximately 34% of all Israeli defense exports between 2020 and 2024, making it the largest customer for Israeli defense industries.
The relationship continues to deepen. Reports indicate that Indian defense officials have held discussions about procuring additional Israeli systems, including IAI’s Air LORA ballistic missiles and Rafael’s Ice Breaker cruise missiles, with potential for domestic manufacturing under India’s “Make in India” initiative.
The Air LORA system is particularly appealing given its 400-kilometer range, which would allow Indian fighter jets to strike targets without entering the engagement envelope of Chinese-made Pakistani air defense systems.
Source: Globes
