India Successfully Tests Long-Range Missile Capable of Striking Targets 336 km Away

India has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful test of a long-range missile capable of striking targets 84 kos (approximately 336 km) away. The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the test, which involved the launch of an air-launched ballistic missile called ROCKS (or Crystal Maze 2) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on April 23rd.

The ROCKS missile, developed by the Israeli defense company Rafael, has a strike range exceeding 250 kilometers and is designed to enhance the IAF's air combat capabilities. This versatile weapon system allows the IAF to engage targets from a safe distance beyond the reach of enemy air defenses, even in GPS-denied environments. The missile is capable of striking a variety of high-value targets, including stationary and relocatable ones.

India plans to manufacture nearly 100 units of the ROCKS missile indigenously through a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Rafael. The successful test and planned local production of ROCKS signify a major advancement for India's defense indigenization efforts and strengthen the IAF's offensive capabilities, positioning India as a major player in developing advanced air-launched missile technology.

Why this matters: The successful test of the long-range ROCKS missile demonstrates India's growing defense capabilities and its ability to strike targets deep within enemy territory. This development enhances India's deterrence posture and strengthens its position in the region, particularly in the context of potential conflicts with neighboring countries.

In addition to the ROCKS missile, India also successfully tested a new model of its Medium-Range Ballistic Missile on April 23, 2024. The test, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, confirmed the missile's operational effectiveness and integration with new technologies. This missile is not part of the 'Agni' series and represents another significant advancement in India's missile arsenal.

The IAF's successful test of the ROCKS missile, also known as the Crystal Maze 2, fired from a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet, showcases India's expanding capabilities in air-launched ballistic missiles. With a range of over 250 kilometers, the ROCKS missile can penetrate dense air defense networks and provide the IAF with a unique capability to strike high-value targets deep inside enemy territory.

Key Takeaways

• India successfully tested long-range ROCKS missile with 336 km range.
• ROCKS missile enhances IAF's air combat capabilities, can strike high-value targets.
• India plans to manufacture ~100 ROCKS missiles indigenously through ToT with Rafael.
• India also tested new variant of Medium-Range Ballistic Missile on same day.
• ROCKS missile fired from Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, showcasing India's air-launched missile tech.