Context: In the aftermath of the successful use of long-range stand-off weapons during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now prioritising the induction of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles with strike ranges exceeding 200 km.
UPSC Relevance:
PYQ:
2023 Prelims
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Operational Success in Operation Sindoor
- Effective use of BrahMos, SCALP, Rampage, and Crystal Maze missiles with 250-450 km range.
- Neutralised enemy air bases and strategic assets while bypassing Chinese HQ-9 air defence systems.
- The IAF set a record for shooting down a surveillance aircraft at over 300 km.
- Deployment of S-400 systems has deterred Pakistani Air Force flights, forcing changes in their tactics, either staying deep within its territory or flying at low altitudes to avoid detection and targeting.
Future Development & Acquisition Plans
- Request to DRDO to accelerate longer-range variants of Astra (indigenous air-to-air missile).
- Strong interest in acquiring Russian R-37 missiles with a range of over 200 km which could provide a significant tactical edge against both western and northern adversaries.
- Push for rapid progress on Project Kusha (long-range air defence missile system by DRDO).
- Requests for additional Rafale jets (4.5 Generation) and 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
| Feature | BrahMos | SCALP (Storm Shadow) | Rampage | Crystal Maze (Popeye) |
| Type | Supersonic cruise missile | Air-launched cruise missile | Air-to-ground missile | Air-to-surface missile |
| Developers | India (DRDO) & Russia (NPO Mashinostroyeniya) | France (MBDA) & UK (MBDA) | Israel (IMI & IAI) | Israel (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) |
| Key Characteristics | High supersonic speed (up to Mach 3) throughout its flight, making it difficult to intercept. Can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines. | Subsonic speed with stealth features and a terrain-hugging flight path to evade radar. Designed for deep-strike missions against high-value targets. | Supersonic speed, standoff range, and GPS/INS guidance with anti-jamming capabilities. Designed to destroy strategic targets. | Precision-guided missile designed for standoff attacks. Uses a “man-in-the-loop” guidance system (for some variants) and a data link for remote control. |
| Operational Range | 800-900 km (land/ship), 450-500 km (air) | 250-560 km, depending on the variant and launch conditions. | 150-250 km | Varies by variant: 78 km (Popeye 1), 100 km (Crystal Maze 1), 250 km+ (Crystal Maze 2/ROCKS) |
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