Army to procure long-range rocket launchers in major deal backed by Israeli technology

Under emergency procurement powers, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with private defence manufacturer NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system with strike capabilities of 150 km and 300 km.

The acquisition will significantly enhance the Army’s deep-strike artillery firepower and operational reach.

The development was confirmed by Pune-based defence manufacturer NIBE Limited in a letter to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), on Friday (January 3, 2026). “The company has entered into a supply contract with Indian Army, Ministry of Defence, Government of India for manufacturing and supply of ground equipment, accessories, ESP and ammunition for universal rocket launcher system capable of integrating multiple rocket types including rockets striking at long ranges of 150 km and 300 km for a total consideration of ₹292.69 crore (inclusive of all taxes and duties),” the letter mentioned.

The system, Suryastra, is India’s first Made in India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher, capable of executing precision surface-to-surface strikes at ranges extending up to 300 km. Designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously at varying ranges, the system achieves a high degree of accuracy with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than five metres during trials. The same launcher is also capable of firing loitering munitions up to a range of 100 km, enhancing operational flexibility.

In July 2025, the defence manufacturer has signed a Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) with Israeli defence major Elbit Systems to manufacture the advanced universal rocket launcher system (SURYA) in India. This marks the first time a high-precision rocket launcher system with strike capability up to 300 km is being produced domestically, supporting the government’s thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

On December 26, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Defence Ministry cleared a proposal to allow defence forces to sign contracts under emergency procurement (EP) powers till January 15, 2026.

Under the EP provisions, the armed services can procure weapons systems worth upto ₹300 crore on an urgent basis without any further clearances. Deliveries should begin in six months and end within a year of the contract date.

Recently, DRDO chairman Samir V. Kamat said they will soon begin manufacturing new variants of the Pinaka rocket system with extended ranges of 120 km and 300 km. These systems are expected to be inducted into the Indian Army within the next three to five years.