IAF to procure Spice bombs from Israel

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a deal to procure a batch of SPICE 2000 guided bombs at a cost of Rs 300 crores from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. SPICE bombs were used in the recently undertaken strikes on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26.

SPICE 2000 Guided Bombs

The SPICE-2000 (meant for 1,000kg bombs) has a glide range of around 60km. The SPICE-2000 bombs are difficult to detect by most ground-based radars. SPICE weapons can overcome errors in locating the target, GPS jamming and reduces collateral damage.

Special Financial Powers

The order was placed under the special financial powers given to the armed forces by the government for emergency purchases. The government granted emergency powers for the three services to procure necessary weapons and military hardware for enhancing their operational preparedness along the border with Pakistan.

The special financial powers were provided to cut delays in the military purchases like allowing the three services to procure required weapons and equipment from a single vendor.