2,000-Km Reach, Faster Than BrahMos: India Weighs Israel's 'Golden Horizon' Missile Offer

Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 13:57 IST

Golden Horizon is tailored for hardened and deeply buried targets, such as underground command bunkers, reinforced military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities

From intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of travelling thousands of kilometres to precision-guided tactical systems, major powers are investing heavily in stand-off strike capabilities that can hit hardened targets deep inside enemy territory.

India, which has developed long-range ballistic systems under the Agni series, including the nuclear-capable Agni-5, is now examining an offer that could further expand its aerial strike envelope. Israel has reportedly proposed supplying India with the Golden Horizon Air-Launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM), a deep-strike weapon designed to target fortified and underground strategic facilities.

The proposed system is understood to be derived from Israel’s Silver Sparrow, a target missile previously used in missile defence trials to simulate ballistic threats. Defence assessments suggest that the new variant has been adapted into an operational weapon capable of being launched from fighter aircraft.

Although official specifications remain undisclosed, various defence reports estimate the missile’s range to be between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometres. If integrated, it is likely to be paired with the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, significantly extending the service’s stand-off strike capability.

Strategic analysts say such a system would represent a different category of weapon from the tactical missiles already in Indian service. Israel has earlier supplied systems such as the LORA, with a reported range of around 400 kilometres, and the Rampage, which can strike targets at approximately 250 kilometres. These weapons are primarily designed to neutralise battlefield assets including radar stations, air defence batteries, command centres and ammunition depots.

Golden Horizon, however, is believed to be tailored for hardened and deeply buried targets, such as underground command bunkers, reinforced military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities. In contemporary military architecture, many strategic installations are shielded by thick concrete structures and subterranean construction, requiring weapons capable of high-speed impact and deep penetration.

As an air-launched ballistic missile, Golden Horizon would follow a ballistic trajectory after release, climbing to altitude before descending toward its target at extremely high speed. Defence experts estimate that its terminal velocity could approach hypersonic levels, above Mach 5, making interception by conventional air defence systems considerably more challenging. The kinetic energy generated during the final phase is expected to enhance its ability to penetrate hardened surfaces.

The reported offer comes at a time when the IAF is steadily enhancing its layered strike capabilities, ranging from tactical battlefield systems to long-range precision options. While there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi regarding procurement, analysts believe that even preliminary discussions signal a broader shift in India’s long-range military posture.

If the proposal advances, the induction of an air-launched ballistic missile with extended range could significantly expand India’s strategic reach, potentially influencing the regional security calculus.

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