The Indian Air Force (IAF) has bolstered its firepower capabilities with the induction of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missiles, marking a significant enhancement for its fighter aircraft fleet. These missiles, capable of striking targets at a distance of around 250 kilometres, provide a substantial upgrade to the IAF’s combat capabilities.
Originally known as the High-Speed Low Drag-Mark 2 missile within the Indian Air Force, the Rampage missile gained prominence after its extensive use by the Israeli Air Force in recent attacks on Iranian targets. Now, the IAF has integrated the Rampage into its Russian-origin aircraft fleet, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 fighters, as well as the Jaguar fighter jets. Moreover, the Indian Navy has also incorporated the missile into its fleet for the MiG-29K naval fighter jets.
The addition of the Rampage missile equips Indian fighter pilots with a versatile stand-off weapon, enabling them to engage and neutralize targets such as communication centres or radar stations with precision and effectiveness. This procurement was facilitated under the emergency powers granted by the Defence Ministry to the armed forces, a response to the tensions with China that emerged in 2020.
Notably, the Rampage missiles offer a longer range compared to the Spice-2000s utilized during the Balakot air strikes in 2019, further enhancing the IAF’s operational capabilities. Moreover, the Indian Air Force has pursued a comprehensive approach to weapon systems acquisition, incorporating both long-range systems from international vendors and indigenous solutions.
In addition to the Rampage missiles, the Indian Air Force recently conducted successful tests of the ROCKS (Crystal Maze-2) missile in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory. The integration of these advanced weapons systems, including the Rampage, with Russian aircraft like the Su-30, significantly enhances the IAF’s strike capabilities. Furthermore, the potential for domestic production of the Rampage under the Make in India initiative is being explored, with considerations for large-scale induction into the armed forces.
Overall, the induction of the Rampage missile represents a significant step forward for the Indian Air Force, enhancing its ability to conduct precision strikes and effectively respond to evolving security challenges in the region.
