India conducts successful test of new 250 km strike range air-launched ballistic missile
- In Reports
- 03:20 PM, Apr 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Indian Air Force has conducted a successful test firing of an updated version of an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile with a range of over 250 km, capable of striking distant targets.
Last week, a missile known as ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, originating from Israel, was test-launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to India Today TV sources within the defence forces revealed that the missile has a strike range exceeding 250 km and possesses the capability to target enemy long-range radar and air defence systems.
The Indian Air Force is now prioritising the mass production of these missiles under the Make in India initiative, utilising the technology acquired from Israel. The CM-2 signifies a new generation extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile, engineered to target high-value stationary and relocatable objectives in GPS-denied environments, akin to the challenges encountered by India during the Kargil War.
The missile offers the flexibility of choosing between a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, allowing it to effectively destroy both above-ground and well-protected underground targets, even in heavily defended surface-to-air areas.
The deployment strategy for the ROCKS entails releasing the missile from well outside the surface-to-air defended area, after which it follows a high-velocity trajectory to mitigate risks to both aircraft and missiles.
The successful test firing of the new air-launched medium-range ballistic missile by the Indian Air Force represents a significant advancement in India's defence capabilities. With a strike range exceeding 250 km and the ability to target enemy radar and air defence systems, the missile enhances India's deterrence posture.
Plans for mass production under the Make in India initiative demonstrate a commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement in the defence sector. Overall, the introduction of the CM-2 missile strengthens India's strategic capabilities and underscores its dedication to safeguarding national security interests.
Image source: India Today
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