Why is it in the news?
- The Rampage missile is a recent addition to the arsenal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy, characterized as a long-range, supersonic, air-to-ground missile.
More about the news
- Capable of striking targets up to 250 kilometres away, it offers enhanced precision and lethality in various operational scenarios.
- Originally known as the High-Speed Low Drag-Mark 2 Missile in the Indian Air Force, the Rampage missile gained prominence through its extensive use by the Israeli Air Force in operations against Iranian targets.
- Integration of the Rampage missile has been achieved across the Russian-origin aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighters.
- The Indian Navy has also integrated the Rampage missile into its MiG-29K naval fighter jets, expanding its maritime strike capabilities.
- This integration complements existing capabilities, allowing for the firing of multiple long-range air-to-ground missiles, including the BrahMos supersonic missiles with a strike range exceeding 400 kilometres.
- Procurement of the Rampage missiles was expedited under emergency powers granted by the Defence Ministry to bolster the armed forces’ readiness following the 2020 standoff with China.
- The Rampage missiles offer extended operational range compared to the Spice-2000s, which were utilized in the Balakot air strikes in 2019, enhancing India’s precision strike capabilities in both conventional and tactical scenarios.
