ISLAMABAD: India’s Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence MinisterRajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity for procuringSPICE-1000 long-range precision guidance kits from Israel’s Rafael AdvancedDefense Systems. This approval, part of a broader Rs 79,000 crore defencemodernisation package announced in late December 2025, aims tosignificantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s standoff strike capabilitiesamid evolving regional security challenges.
The SPICE-1000, known as Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective, is anadvanced guidance kit that transforms conventional 1,000-pound bombs intoautonomous smart weapons. Equipped with electro-optical seekers andinertial navigation, it operates independently of GPS, rendering it highlyresistant to jamming and electronic warfare countermeasures prevalent inmodern conflicts.
Reports indicate the procurement involves a substantial number of kits,with Israeli media citing around 1,000 units as part of larger arms deals.This move underscores India’s deepening defence ties with Israel, a keysupplier of advanced munitions, including previous acquisitions ofSPICE-2000 kits used in high-profile operations.The system’s standoutfeature is its reported circular error probable of under three metres,ensuring pinpoint accuracy even in adverse weather or contestedenvironments. With deployable wings extending its glide range toapproximately 100-125 kilometres, it allows aircraft to engage targets fromsafe distances beyond enemy air defences.
This capability is particularly vital for striking fortified positions,command centres, or high-value assets without risking pilot exposure. TheIndian Air Force plans integration across frontline fighters like Su-30MKIand Mirage 2000, building on existing inventories of similar Rafaelsystems.Defence analysts note that while indigenous alternatives likeDRDO’s Gaurav long-range glide bomb are nearing induction, the SPICE-1000offers proven combat reliability and unique scene-matching algorithms forterminal guidance. Its dual-mode seeker enables day-night operations andimmunity to GPS denial tactics.
The approval comes amid India’s push for self-reliance, yet strategicimports fill critical gaps in operational readiness. The broader DACpackage also includes Astra Mk-II missiles and simulators, reflecting abalanced approach to modernisation across air, land, and sea domains.
Geopolitically, enhanced standoff precision strengthens deterrence alongcontested borders. Previous employment of SPICE variants in cross-borderstrikes demonstrated their effectiveness, influencing current procurementdecisions to maintain technological edge.Cost considerations remain, with each kit estimated at around $480,000,prompting debates on affordability versus capability. However, officialsemphasise the long-term operational advantages in precision warfare,reducing collateral damage and sortie requirements.
Read Top Stories
Overall, this induction marks a pivotal upgrade for the Indian Air Force,aligning with global trends towards stand-off munitions in an era ofintegrated air defences and electronic warfare dominance.
Source:https://www.eurasiantimes.com/spice-1000-why-is-india-iraeli-glide-bombs/
Tags: India, Israel, Rafael, SPICE-1000, Indian Air Force, DefenceAcquisition Council
ogimageimage-name