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.

 

[sanket]

If Rudram Missile can take Air Defence system then it will b very efective Missiles in Arsenal..over 500 kM Range for Rudram can Neutralise enemy defence system without entering p0rkistan Air space .

 

[nakul1307]

If we could make Rudram, we could have easily made a Rocks equivalent indigenously. But IAF is an import champ.

 

[Aftab Ahmed Sheikh]

Israeli weapons are superior to Indian ones.

As the Para-2&3 says & evident from internet–

1. One is functional, another is non-functional
2. One is cost effective & compact while another bulky
3. One is multi platform while other not
4. One is aero-BM while another is Air to Surface.
5. ROCKS can operate in GPS denied enviornment while Rudram is not known
6. Rudram is supersonic according to DRDO.

To Author-

• did you ask why proven ROCKS is for secondary target while Rudram for high value target?
• How does less range of a missile diminish its role to engage secondary target?
• Since you mentioned high value targets, what are secondary targets?

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

ROCKS should be equipped on Tejas-AF-MK-II, ORCA ,Mirage-2000-5 and Mig-29s !

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

India just wants to improve ties with Israel and is using the JV/indigenisation route as a ploy. Israel will transfer technology which India already has and in return India will pay them money for their survival. India will get to save some time designing & testing the weapons, although India already has the technology which is a minor gain

 

[kumar]

If we can design higher range missile, then we sure can design lower range missile. But this deal only looks like quid pro quid deal. Anyways, rudram needs to be inducted in numbers.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

It's not like that. IAF try to keep option open for commissions... Rock is different catagory.... How...

 

[Kiran Kumar]

If Rudram Missile can take Air Defence system then it will b very efective Missiles in Arsenal..over 500 kM Range for Rudram can Neutralise enemy defence system without entering p0rkistan Air space .

India is not focusing on Pak and it's target is one and only China. Rudram-2 & 3 are designed to dismantle Air defensese in Tibet region

 

[Rajesh]

If we could make Rudram, we could have easily made a Rocks equivalent indigenously. But IAF is an import champ.

Will always find loopholes to import. A primary source of income for several personals before retirement.

 

[Sandeep]

India won't order or make any foreign missiles as we have already developed the Rudram 2&3 which meets the required range similar to the ROCKS. If the Air Force only need a limited small number of missiles as there might be a shortage then we can understand the rationale behind buying a few until our indigenous missile starts production. However if the air force wants to use this missile in a large quantity by manufacturing it under license then it's wrong militarily and financially as it will still be more expensive than just manufacturing the entire Rudram missile in India. Also there will be a lot of private indigenous companies who would want to manufacture the ROCKS missiles and we should be wary of that.

There should be no foreign purchase if we already have a indigenous weapon or technology that's similar to that foreign weapon or technology. There is also an embargo against importing any foreign missiles so we should focus more on our indigenous development programs instead.

 

[Bhishma]

India is not focusing on Pak and it's target is one and only China. Rudram-2 & 3 are designed to dismantle Air defensese in Tibet region

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.

 

[Akshat]

If we could make Rudram, we could have easily made a Rocks equivalent indigenously. But IAF is an import champ.

So the military should make those? It is DRDO’s job to make those and give them to IAF. But the lie champ DRDO won’t do anything and won’t let anyone else do anything.

 

[Akshat]

Will always find loopholes to import. A primary source of income for several personals before retirement.

And what about the DRDO idiots who don’t do anything and then send fake success reports on the projects to MoD?

 

[beencensured]

So the military should make those? It is DRDO’s job to make those and give them to IAF. But the lie champ DRDO won’t do anything and won’t let anyone else do anything.

Now military could have sent requirements instead of jumping on imports.

 

[Akshat]

Now military could have sent requirements instead of jumping on imports.

And waited for decades?

 

[UKumar]

So the military should make those? It is DRDO’s job to make those and give them to IAF. But the lie champ DRDO won’t do anything and won’t let anyone else do anything.

Pl; note DRDO is a research lab not factory

 

[BILLY GILL]

It's not like that. IAF try to keep option open for commissions... Rock is different catagory.... How...

When people are playing with their lives, commissions matter little. Please understand the rationale behind the thinking, it's purely economic. Why Waste an expensive missile when a cheaper one is available. Please don't point fingers at people who put their lives for stake for the nation. There are many other important parameters that need to be keep in mind when one selects a weapon system , namely aircraft type,it weight carrying capacity, and range etc.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

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.

 

[Akshat]

Pl; note DRDO is a research lab not factory

Please note DRDO is not a lab. It’s a department under MoD which controls other labs as well the budget they get.

 

[beencensured]

And waited for decades?

Yes, 500 km hypersonic is not satisfactory,. Now, need slower and dumber that does not work. .

 

[Akshat]

Yes, 500 km hypersonic is not satisfactory,. Now, need slower and dumber that does not work. .

Does not work as per your imagination? While the hypersonic untested missile by liar agency DRDO works? Wow.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

So the military should make those? It is DRDO’s job to make those and give them to IAF. But the lie champ DRDO won’t do anything and won’t let anyone else do anything.

Just got a news that One private con selling sniper rifle to a friendly country but IA not order it. Please explain this..... why IA not order but it import from out side.

 

[Akshat]

Just got a news that One private con selling sniper rifle to a friendly country but IA not order it. Please explain this..... why IA not order but it import from out side.

Did they offer it for IA tender? When did IA reject it and import? Please provide details. Please explain.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Did they offer it for IA tender? When did IA reject it and import? Please provide details. Please explain.

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