India to Build Homegrown Version of Missile Reportedly Used Against Iran

India is gearing up to manufacture its own version of a powerful air-launched missile system that reportedly saw action in the Middle East. The new missile, codenamed ROCKS (or Crystal Maze 2), was successfully test-fired on April 23rd in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

What's the Buzz about ROCKS?​

ROCKS is a game-changer for the Indian Air Force (IAF). With a range exceeding 250 kilometers, it allows Indian fighter jets to neutralize targets from a safe distance, staying well outside the reach of enemy air defenses. This significantly enhances the IAF's offensive capabilities.

From Test Flight to Production Line​

The real game-changer? India plans to indigenously produce nearly 100 ROCKS missiles through a technology transfer agreement with Israel's Rafael, a leading defense contractor.

This move signifies India's commitment to bolstering its domestic defense industry and reducing reliance on foreign imports. The Kalyani Group is a frontrunner to lead local production.

What Makes This Missile Special?​

Here's why ROCKS has grabbed international attention: Reports suggest it might be the same system used by the Israeli Air Force in a successful operation against an Iranian air defense system.

This real-world application highlights ROCKS' effectiveness in high-stakes combat situations.

More Than Just Long Range​

Designed for versatility, ROCKS can take on a variety of high-value targets, including those that are mobile or located in areas with limited GPS access. It can penetrate fortified structures and destroy well-defended underground installations.

Additionally, ROCKS can be equipped with different warheads depending on the mission, offering flexibility for various combat scenarios.

The Road Ahead​

The successful test and planned domestic production of ROCKS mark a significant milestone for India's defense aspirations.

This move strengthens India's position as a major player in developing advanced air-launched missile technology and bolsters its overall aerial deterrence capabilities.

With ROCKS in its arsenal, the IAF is poised for even greater effectiveness, and India's journey towards self-reliance in defense technology takes a major leap forward.

 

[sanket]

Why India cant develop similar Missile Air to surface , What about Rudram which is also Air to surface Missile what is Difference Between This Two ...........???

 

[Anant]

Why India cant develop similar Missile Air to surface , What about Rudram which is also Air to surface Missile what is Difference Between This Two ...........???

An excellent question, and one that people aren't asking much. I tried looking into some OSINT, but most details of the ROCKS aren't to be found.

Regardless, based on what I could find, the ROCKS seems to be a more accurate missile (3m CEP) as compared to the Rudram (5m CEP), with some sources suggesting that the ROCKS has a range of 250-350 km, which is similar to the Rudram-2's range of 300 km. Beyond that, not much besides differences in tracking systems.

Now, based on observation, the ROCKS seems to be considerably wider (in terms of the cylinder diameter) than the Rudram, with length being somewhat similar. That would suggest the ROCKS might have a larger warhead, but we can't say for sure.

 

[Pink Panther]

Why India cant develop similar Missile Air to surface , What about Rudram which is also Air to surface Missile what is Difference Between This Two ...........???

they couldn't, that's why they are buying most of the missiles from Israel, France, US and so on.

 

[sunilanalysis]

Atmanirbhar bharat....
Do all domestic R & D during peace time. Use Russian, Israeli, French weapons during war time... Only victory matters, not means...

 

[Pink Panther]

Atmanirbhar bharat....
Do all domestic R & D during peace time. Use Russian, Israeli, French weapons during war time... Only victory matters, not means...

you coiuld add testing of already tested foriegn missiles to Athmanirbar Bharat.

 

[Rational Guy]

Why not mass production of our Rudram missiles???

 

[Taus Melek]

If it’s full technology transfer then by all means go ahead with the deal with Rafael

 

[DEVESH]

Rocks will do well against Chinese s300

 

[kumar]

Why India cant develop similar Missile Air to surface , What about Rudram which is also Air to surface Missile what is Difference Between This Two ...........???

Rudram is equivalent to rocks. Seems Rocks procured in limited number.

 

[Sparkle Studio]

DoD has a policy of having many tools as options available for a kinetic situation...so that we can choose right solution to a particular problem....besides not keeping all eggs in a single basket.

 

[Sridhar]

Why India cant develop similar Missile Air to surface , What about Rudram which is also Air to surface Missile what is Difference Between This Two ...........???

If your requirement is less, then buying or making under ToT makes sense.

 

[amit suri]

Rudram catches radio frequency and targets radar or signal omitting equipment. ROCK is like once thrown on to a target no jammers or gps denial can stop it. Rudram on the other hand can get targeted or misleading information. Both have a different task. ROCK has dead smart and RUDRAM is active smart and Live

 

[Surendra Barsode]

When Rudram is getting ready, why should IAF get into technology transfer and buy this missile? As a tactical emergency response, purchase of Rocks was fine but nothing beyond it. India is self sufficient in missile technology and there is no need for any import. But if someone from IAF wants to have phoren tour, he can be sent for visits to any country of his choice but do not do anything anti atma nirbhar beyond this!!!