Indian Navy Secures Israeli-Made Rampage Missile for MiG-29K/KUB Fulcrum Fighters
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In a groundbreaking move, India has recently emerged as the first confirmed recipient of the Israeli-manufactured Rampage missile.

This milestone brings New Delhi’s defense capabilities to new heights, solidifying the military ties between the two nations at the same time.

Photos affirming this acquisition made rounds on social media, revealing that the Indian Navy has obtained these precision-guided weapons and deployed them onto their Russian-made MiG-29K/KUB Fulcrum carrier-based fighters.

Rampage: Evolution and Capabilities

The Rampage missile, conceived by Israeli Military Industries Systems (IMI Systems) in conjunction with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), represents an adapted guided artillery rocket akin to the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).

This air-launched, precision-guided weapon boasts high speeds and substantial range, making it a formidable asset for India, particularly in prospective border confrontations with neighboring Pakistan and potential contingencies involving China.

The missile’s developmental roots trace back to 2018, stemming from IMI Systems’ ground-launched Extended Range Artillery guided artillery rocket, known as EXTRA.

Rampage missile
An Artist’s rendering of a Rampage missile (Image source: Elbit Systems)

Accelerated development facilitated its transformation into an air-launched derivative, with minimal alterations to its external design, chiefly reinforcing the center body for aerial deployment.

Capable of targeting objects over 90 miles away, the Rampage has drawn attention as a plausible armament for the Israeli Air Force, especially considering cross-border operations against Iranian-backed militants.

While its rumored use by Israel remains unconfirmed, the missile’s focus appears directed toward export customers, with India standing as the first confirmed operator.

Advanced Features: Precision Guidance and Tactical Edge

The Rampage’s cutting-edge features encompass a GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) guidance system, ensuring effectiveness even in the face of hostile jamming or GPS interference—anticipated tactics in potential conflicts against technologically advanced adversaries like China and Pakistan.

Its extensive range enables launch beyond the engagement range of many short- and medium-range air defense systems, heightening host aircraft survivability significantly.

Additionally, its swift velocity renders it suitable for striking time-sensitive targets, potentially including mobile air defense systems or ballistic missiles, provided target coordinates are established promptly.

Other typical targets listed include fixed and time-critical targets, air force bases and other military installations, munition storage, air defense sites, logistic centers, and communication centers.

The precision-guided weapon can also penetrate essential infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, ports, and oil fields, to name a few.

Notably cost-effective compared to conventional air-launched standoff weapons, the Rampage missile’s integration onto diverse combat jets, including India’s mixed fleet of British, French, Russian, and domestic aircraft, showcases its versatility.

Strategic Significance: Rampage in Action

In an in-depth overview of the Rampage missile, The War Zone has cited the 2019 Balakot confrontation as a pertinent example illustrating the precision-guided weapon’s potential utility for India.

In February 2019, India launched a bombing raid in Balakot, Pakistan, against an alleged terrorist training camp.

While India claimed to have wiped out a “large number” of terrorists from that area, analysts who reviewed multiple open-source satellite imagery said the Indian fighters that crossed the de facto border in the disputed region of Kashmir “did not hit any targets of significance.”

Regardless, in that incident, the Rampage’s capability to execute airstrikes from within Indian airspace, offering considerable standoff distances, could have significantly altered the outcome.

Furthermore, the Rampage’s adaptability for urban scenarios minimizes collateral damage, making it a feasible option for precision strikes in such environments.

Despite its efficacy against fixed targets and hostile air defenses, it lacks suitability for engaging moving targets like warships.

Rampage Missiles: Integration and Future Prospects

India’s procurement of the MiG-29K/KUB fighters, totaling 45 aircraft, marks a significant milestone, albeit amidst challenges related to maintenance and serviceability.

Plans to replace these with the Dassault Rafale M as the next carrier-based fighter underline India’s commitment to modernizing its fleet.

Moreover, unconfirmed reports hint at the Rampage’s potential integration onto other Indian Air Force platforms, including the Su-30MKI Flanker and MiG-29s, emphasizing its expanding role in bolstering India’s air-launched standoff strike capabilities.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer in India’s Defense Strategy

In the face of formidable adversaries with robust air defenses, the Rampage stands out as a cost-effective solution, augmenting India’s aerial combat prowess.

As its integration onto more platforms looms, attention turns to potential export customers and the missile’s evolving role in modern warfare.

India’s development and deployment of the Rampage missile herald a new era in the nation’s defense strategy, showcasing its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.

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