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.

 

[Sudha]

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 !!

Dont think that Israelis have consulted IAF before designing it. It just goes to show that DRDO doesn't think originally or dynamically as to what future wars will be like & design both offensive & defensive items after consulting the IAF. DRDO is just following what other nations produce & designs that.

 

[Sudha]

IAF should plan ahead and get them developed indigenously.

It is not only that, DRDO should also plan ahead. One needs imagination for that & DRDO isn't creative. What one requires (maybe) is couple of military or space geeks to dream about futuristic weapon systems.

 

[Sudha]

Clear that Israel is light years ahead of DRDO

Nope, they only lack imagination to think originally. Just hire couple of engineers with high interest in military as well as space to creatively imagine future weapon systems. Let them throw crazy ideas & feasible ones be produced after consulting the military.

 

[Sudha]

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.

J20s canbe detected by IAF. US doesnt worry much about J20s. They take it as "near to fifth gen planes".

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Dont think that Israelis have consulted IAF before designing it. It just goes to show that DRDO doesn't think originally or dynamically as to what future wars will be like & design both offensive & defensive items after consulting the IAF. DRDO is just following what other nations produce & designs that.

Israelis have a much longer history of success of designing weapons and selling them. They have a much bigger customer base. DRDO has one only customer, the Indian armed forces. Firstly, they don’t want to talk to their customer to ensure success. Second, they are extremely shabby at designing weapons. Almost every time they design overweight weapons with severe limitations and when the foxes are not willing to place orders, they run howling to MOD to arm twist the forces to place orders. Leave alone originality or innovation !!

 

[Sparkle Studio]

When DRDO can make ITCM a LACM , this type of missile should be easy to make. Why do we need T.o.T from IMI ? Why can't a suitable turbojet be made ? IIR, CCD and 2 way data link technology are not unsurmountable challenges. This project can be materialized within 2 - 3 years.