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Art and Culture
01 May, 2025
Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR)
Sun 30 Jun, 2024
Context
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in a ceremony held in New Delhi. This development marks a significant step in enhancing India's defensive capabilities against radar detection.
Key Technology: Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC)
- Developed by: DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur
- Purpose: MOC technology obscures radar signals, creating a microwave shield around platforms and assets to reduce radar detection.
- Components: The technology uses special fibers, a few micrometers in diameter, with unique microwave obscuration properties.
- Function: When the MR-MOCR is fired, it forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space, spreading over a large area with adequate persistence time, creating an effective shield against hostile threats equipped with Radio Frequency seekers.
Variants of Chaff Rockets Developed by DRDO
- Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR)
- Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR)
- Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR)
Development and Trials
- Phase-I Trials: Successfully conducted from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the MOC cloud's formation and persistence in space.
- Phase-II Trials: Demonstrated a 90% reduction in Radar Cross Section (RCS) of an aerial target, which has been cleared by the Indian Navy.
Implications for the Indian Navy
- Enhanced Defensive Capabilities: The MR-MOCR enhances the Indian Navy's ability to protect its assets from radar detection by creating an effective microwave shield.
- Indigenous Development: The development of the MR-MOCR and its variants underscores DRDO's capability to innovate and produce critical defense technology indigenously.
- Strategic Advantage: The successful implementation of MR-MOCR technology provides a strategic advantage in naval warfare, enhancing the stealth and survivability of Indian naval platforms.
Major Weapons developed by DRDO
| Year | Weapon System | Description |
| 1983 | Prithvi Missile | India's first indigenously developed ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads. |
| 1989 | Agni Missile | A series of medium to intercontinental ballistic missiles, capable of delivering nuclear warheads over long distances. |
| 1998 | Akash Missile System | A medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to defend against aerial threats. |
| 2001 | BrahMos Cruise Missile | Supersonic cruise missile developed jointly with Russia, known for its speed, precision, and versatility. |
| 2004 | Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) | An artillery system capable of launching a salvo of rockets in quick succession to destroy enemy targets. |
| 2008 | Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) | A third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile designed to destroy modern armored targets. |
| 2011 | Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile | Part of India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles. |
| 2013 | Nirbhay Cruise Missile | Subsonic cruise missile with a long-range capability, designed for precision strikes against strategic targets. |
| 2016 | INSAS Rifle (Indian Small Arms System) | A family of infantry arms including an assault rifle, light machine gun, and carbine, used by the Indian Armed Forces. |
| 2017 | Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) | An air-to-air missile designed to engage and destroy highly Maneuverable supersonic aerial targets. |
| 2018 | Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile | Part of Mission Shakti, this missile successfully demonstrated India's capability to intercept and destroy satellites in orbit. |
| 2018 | Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile | Part of Mission Shakti, this missile successfully demonstrated India's capability to intercept and destroy satellites in orbit. |
| 2019 | Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) | A mobile, quick-reaction missile system designed to provide air defense against aerial threats at short ranges. |
| 2020 | Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) | Successfully tested, showcasing India's capability to develop hypersonic cruise missiles in the future. |
| 2021 | Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile | India's first indigenous anti-radiation missile, designed to target enemy radars and surveillance systems. |
| 2022 | Pralay Tactical Missile | A short-range surface-to-surface missile with high precision and speed, intended for tactical battlefield use. |
| 2024 | Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) | Developed to create a microwave obscurant cloud for radar signal interference, enhancing stealth capabilities. |
About DRDO
- Founded: 1958
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Under: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Current Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
Facts from Indian Navy
- Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R. Hari Kumar (as of 2024)
Major Classes of Warships:
- Aircraft Carriers: INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant (under construction).
- Destroyers: Kolkata-class, Delhi-class.
- Frigates: Shivalik-class, Talwar-class.
- Corvettes: Kamorta-class, Kora-class.
- Submarines: Arihant-class (nuclear-powered), Kalvari-class (conventional).
Aircraft and Helicopters:
- Fighter Aircraft: MiG-29K.
- Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft: P-8I Poseidon.
- Helicopters: Sea King, Dhruv, Chetak.
Missile Systems:
- Surface-to-Air Missiles: Barak-8.
- Anti-Ship Missiles: BrahMos, Klub, Harpoon.
- Submarine-launched Missiles: K-15 Sagarika