IAF Explores Local Manufacturing of ROCKS Missiles, Despite Having Rudram

India is set to enhance its air strike capabilities with a dual-missile strategy that combines long-range, high-speed missiles with a more budget-friendly option for diverse battlefield scenarios.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to manufacture the Long Range Stand-Off Weapon System (ROCKS), also known as Crystal Maze-2, locally. This has raised questions about the need for ROCKS given the existing Rudram-2 and Rudram-3 missiles in the IAF's arsenal.

So, what's the difference?​

IAF officials explained that Rudram-2 and Rudram-3 are classified as air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBM), boasting a longer range of 300-500 km and a higher speed (Mach 5+). These missiles are designed to take out critical targets such as enemy radar systems, air defense batteries, and command bunkers, all while keeping the launching aircraft safe.

ROCKS, with its 250 km range, is seen as a more cost-effective solution for engaging secondary, yet still high-value, targets. The IAF's approach leverages a mix of expensive, high-performance missiles for crucial missions alongside a budget-conscious alternative for situations where a lower-cost option makes more sense.

What's next?​

The IAF is eyeing local production of ROCKS, supplementing its acquisition of Rudram-2 and Rudram-3 missiles, which are being developed by India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These missiles are expected to integrate seamlessly with various Indian fighter jets, including the Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, and Tejas MkII.

The bigger picture​

India's decision to both produce ROCKS and acquire Rudram missiles signals a strategic move to bolster its air attack capabilities. By procuring a diverse missile arsenal, the IAF gains flexibility and a range of options to address different combat situations.

This dual missile strategy marks a significant step for India's air power, demonstrating a commitment to both technological advancement and tactical adaptability.

 

[Akshat]

Yes this is important thing. IA not even float tender for sniper and in the name of emergency purchase they import... Same thing going to happen to Rudram also... IAF keep on there demand for modification and keep purchasing foreign equipment... It is not DRDO's fault.. don't blame them always

Firstly, the sniper rifle is from a private firm, not DRDO. Secondly, the tender for the said sniper rifle has already been floated and the said gun (along with others) are under trial.

DRDO is always to be blamed. Almost. Read CAG’s report on how they lie to everyone including their superiors in MoD. It’s like reading fiction. I can’t even imagine how can those things actually happen. Have you read the report?

 

[Mak]

Why does IAF need 2 types of missiles? Even if Rudram is an expensive one, how many such missiles will be actually used compared to Rocks? One can understand Brahmos is expensive compared to Nirbhaya and hence, we need both but not in the earlier case.

This is a comment born from ignorance.

ROCKS has a warhead weight of around 340-360kg compared to Rudram's 55-200kg.

They can be used for different roles and if the Ukraine war is any indication, diversity of weapon systems is paramount.

Also, do go and understand the importance of SEAD missions and the like which is what RUDRAM will be used for.

 

[Rational Guy]

We can disable their AD in matter of hours. Then we paradrop troops into Lhasa. Once Lhasa falls, it will start a chain reaction. They will lose Aksai Chin, Xinjiang. The local population will start the rebellion. They will capture the weapons from the soldiers in the ensuing chaos & rebel. It will fall very quickly.

Stop dreaming. What about their stealth fighters?

 

[Bhishma]

Stop dreaming. What about their stealth fighters?

Its unproven tech. Their stealth is questionable. If they get close to 60km, they lose their stealth, because it can be tracked by IRST. J20 is the only fighter with canards - no other stealth jet has canards. I mean it looks nice and does nice formations, but battle worthy ? I doubt it. Their stealth is bull. Su30 have already reported seeing it. Besides, when they say stealth, it means frontal stealth. We'll be tracking it from multiple angles. Its not a silver bullet.

We can fly at full load in Tibet launching from our bases at near sea level. China will have to launch from Chengdu. We can easily trace out their flight path and be prepared. So we have the upper hand in aerial battle. Once we take over Lhasa, we just cut out all the road/rail networks connecting to Lhasa.