IAF Eyes Elbit Systems' Delilah Missiles: Loitering Capability and Versatility at the Forefront

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering acquiring the Delilah series of air-to-surface missiles from Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence electronics company.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the IAF is actively evaluating the missile system based on factors such as cost, potential technology transfer terms, and the overall capabilities offered by Delilah.

Key Advantages of Delilah Missile System​

• Loitering Capability: The Delilah missile stands out for its ability to loiter in a designated area before engaging a target. This feature allows for positive target identification, minimizing the risk of collateral damage.
• Turbo-Jet Engine and Extended Range: Equipped with a turbo-jet engine, the Delilah missile can travel up to 250 kilometers and adjust its flight profile mid-mission. This adaptability enhances the missile's effectiveness in various operational scenarios.
• Mission Flexibility: The Delilah offers cruise, loiter, attack, and "go-around" capabilities, providing the IAF with a versatile weapon system suitable for a wide range of missions.
• Advanced Guidance System: The missile utilizes a sophisticated guidance system, ensuring precise targeting of both stationary and moving targets.
• Lightweight and Versatile: The Delilah's lightweight design allows for integration on fighter jets as well as helicopters such as the Mi-17 and LCH. This versatility enhances the IAF's operational flexibility.

Additional Features and Benefits​

• Extended Airborne Time: Delilah can remain airborne for extended periods, enabling real-time target identification and confirmation before striking.
• Abortable and Re-engageable Attacks: The missile can abort an attack if necessary and re-engage the target, providing greater control and minimizing unintended consequences.
• Real-Time Video Feedback: The Delilah system provides real-time video imagery, facilitating target confirmation and enabling battle damage assessment after an attack.
• All-Weather Capability: Delilah is designed to operate effectively in various weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance in different environments.

The IAF's final decision on acquiring the Delilah missiles hinges on successful negotiations with Elbit Systems. Key aspects under discussion include price, the possibility of technology transfer to India, and ensuring the system's technical capabilities meet the IAF's specific requirements.

The outcome of negotiations between the IAF and Elbit Systems will determine whether this advanced weapon system becomes a part of India's defence capabilities.

 

[Pink Panther]

Another missile import.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

It's a great missile but would have loved it more, had this been our own version.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

It's a great missile but would have loved it more, had this been our own version.

The problem is the knuckleheads at DRDO refuse the talk to their customers, what they want and just do what they want to do, then end up with disasters which the customers don't want and cannot provide anything that the customers want on time. As a result, we end up with imports like this one !!

 

[Mithu Roy]

It's a very good acquisition.Tech transfer should be must.i suppose adani defence will clinch it

 

[Hraday]

Another missile import.

DRDO is being re-organized sooner than later. All knucklehead senior staff will either retire or change their attitude towards work.

 

[The Presence]

The problem is the knuckleheads at DRDO refuse the talk to their customers, what they want and just do what they want to do, then end up with disasters which the customers don't want and cannot provide anything that the customers want on time. As a result, we end up with imports like this one !!

I think it's the exact opposite.
I highly doubt Elbit makes such weapons on inputs provided by their armed forces. Otherwise why didn't our armed forces make such demands to the DRDO ?
Elbit thinks of innovative solutions and manufactures without worrying about any solid orders, because they know their product is solid.
DRDO has their labs filled with people having bookish knowledge, but no quality free-thinkers. As a result, whatever unique they try to design is almost always rejected by our armed forces.
We need a dedicated 'Military Study Committee' which studies wars all over the world & suggests strategies and weapons based upon it to the Private Firms and DRDO.

 

[madmax]

one of the first loitering munition..... it can circle the target.... before striking it...

 

[beencensured]

It's a great missile but would have loved it more, had this been our own version.

Adopt nasm-sr for ground attack.

 

[beencensured]

If Indian entities are not making such weapons then what choice we have other than to import. Whatever, if price and transfer of technology is acceptable then it's okay untill we are able to create similar weapons.

DRDO's nasm-sr is very similar and helicopter launched.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

IAF should plan ahead and get them developed indigenously.

 

[beencensured]

It's a very good acquisition.Tech transfer should be must.i suppose adani defence will clinch it

Again when DRDO has made helicopter launched nasm-sr and are making nasm-mr , then why? Just adopt it for land targets.

 

[Akshat]

I think it's the exact opposite.
I highly doubt Elbit makes such weapons on inputs provided by their armed forces. Otherwise why didn't our armed forces make such demands to the DRDO ?
Elbit thinks of innovative solutions and manufactures without worrying about any solid orders, because they know their product is solid.
DRDO has their labs filled with people having bookish knowledge, but no quality free-thinkers. As a result, whatever unique they try to design is almost always rejected by our armed forces.
We need a dedicated 'Military Study Committee' which studies wars all over the world & suggests strategies and weapons based upon it to the Private Firms and DRDO.

They do. DRDO just refuses to listen. ATAGS is an excellent example of that.

 

[Akshat]

DRDO's nasm-sr is very similar and helicopter launched.

Not even close.

 

[NSR]

India/Bharat should be happy to have these highly proven armaments in its inventory and being manufactured locally to fight possible two front wars.
It is better than not doing anything for the brave and courageous Indian Armed Forces.
Go for it.

 

[Sandeep]

India doesn't need to buy this very expensive missile at all. We need to focus on developing our own missiles. If DRDO are unable to do that then let a private company develop it by providing some funds to develop it and there will be many people or companies who can develop it. The only problem is that it takes around 6-10 years to develop it from a concept, then testing, then user acceptance for production to begin and start supplying it to the military. At the same time we need to make sure the platform is capable of using this type of missile as well because we have a variety of jets and helicopters from different countries with different technology.

 

[vasu gali]

It's effectiveness against the likes of stealthy (?) J -20 etc., has to be duly assessed before purchasing. Of course, this appears to be better than our ASTRA MK II but cost also mattes.

 

[Bharat007]

If Indian entities are not making such weapons then what choice we have other than to import. Whatever, if price and transfer of technology is acceptable then it's okay untill we are able to create similar weapons.

 

[bonito]

Good to have. It is important we equip with as many as missiles with staggering quantities. Cause there is no more dog fight or even conventional war in war fields. It's all going to be drones and missiles in the next next wars to come.

 

[Amit Jain]

Clear that Israel is light years ahead of DRDO