The latest version of the medium-range ballistic missile produced by Israeli Rafael in the Andamans and Nicobar was successfully tested by the Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKI, according to an announcement by the Indian Defense Ministry on April 23. The missile called Rocks, also known as Crystal Maze II, has a range of almost 250 kilometres.

The IAF plans to produce these missiles using Israeli technology as part of the Made in India campaign. The continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought attention to the significance of ALBMs. ALBMs have been dropped by Russian fighter aircraft from well inside its borders, beyond the reach of Ukrainian air defence systems.

The ALBMs aim to hit valuable stationary and mobile targets in areas where GPS reception is restricted, such as the one India encountered in the Kargil conflict.

India requested Global Positioning System (GPS) data for the Kargil region from the US after Pakistani soldiers penetrated the area. India requested information from the US government’s space-based navigation system, but the US refused her request. The obstacle would have been surmountable for Crystal Maze II.

India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) conducted the Crystal Maze II test. With the missile, India may strike targets well inside the enemy’s country without crossing the border.

In February 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted an airstrike on Balakot. To target terrorist infrastructure in Balakot, Pakistan, which is 50 kilometres from the Line of Control and 81 kilometres from Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, IAF jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC) during that operation.

The IAF can strike Balakot or other targets with the Crystal Maze-II without crossing the border, increasing strategic flexibility.

Various aircraft, such as fighter planes, bombers, and other types, can launch ALBMs. This flexibility makes this adaptability to changing circumstances and quick deployment possible. Due to their lack of fixed launch sites, ALBMs are more difficult for opponents to anticipate and counter than ground-based missiles.

Because ALBMs can be launched from great heights, they can elude missile interception systems and adversary air defences. ALBMs approach targets from unexpected angles to increase the chance of a successful strike.

Compared to ground-fired missiles, ALBMs have shorter flight durations because they are launched from the air. This shortened warning period makes it difficult for enemies to respond effectively. ALBMs can be used stealthily to surprise adversaries. Unexpected launches have the potential to confuse and interfere with an adversary’s military operations.

It’s interesting to note that the IAF was unable to launch any of the six Israeli air-to-surface missiles, known as the Crystal Maze-1 from the Mirage 2000, against Pakistan during the Balakot strikes according to established protocol.

The firing of the Crystal Maze-1 missiles in tandem with the SPICE-2000 bombs would have allowed for the live broadcast of the bombs striking their targets.

Crystal Maze-II and other ALBMs act as a deterrent to aggressiveness. They boost India’s defence capabilities by adding another level of response choices. However, they provide specific difficulties in coordinating safety procedures and aircraft modifications.

Crystal Maze II

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli defence company, created the precision-guided air-to-surface missile (ASM). It is well known for its precision and potency when hitting land and sea targets.

Advanced guidance systems, such as inertial, imaging infrared, or TV guidance, are fitted to the missiles, ensuring remarkable accuracy even at long ranges.

These missiles can be fired from various platforms, such as aircraft and submarines, and frequently carry highly powerful warheads. Because of their versatility may be used for a wide range of tasks, such as hitting enemy military sites and naval ships.

India’s dominant area, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), would benefit significantly from the missiles.

Depending on the missile model, the operator can use an image infrared seeker or a television to directly control the missile with an INS (Inertial Navigation System) and a data link to accomplish exact terminal homing.

Crucially, missile control can be passed to another platform while the launching aircraft safely evacuates the area, negating the necessity for the launching aircraft to maintain control of the rocket.

Two types of warheads are available for export: a 360 kg (790 lb) penetrator or a 340 kg (750 lb) blast/fragmentation warhead. Together, these guiding systems guarantee that the missile hits its target strictly.

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The deal comes amid rising concerns over security threats in the Asia-Pacific region, including North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s increasing military assertiveness. The development of long-range missiles is seen as a critical step toward strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and deterring potential aggressors.

Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will be responsible for the development of the solid-fueled rocket engines, while IHI Corporation will focus on the development of the missiles’ airframes. The development of the long-range missiles is expected to take around a decade, with the aim of completing the project by the mid-2030s.

The long-range missiles are expected to have a range of around 900 miles, which would allow Japan to strike targets in North Korea and other potential threats in the region. The development of such missiles is seen as a key component of Japan’s defense strategy, as it seeks to bolster its capabilities to defend itself against potential threats.

The decision to develop long-range missiles has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that it could lead to a dangerous arms race in the region, with neighboring countries also investing in similar capabilities. There are also concerns about the potential for the technology to be used for offensive purposes, rather than solely for defensive purposes.

“Japan has procured 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States”

According to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has procured 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States, which can strike targets up to 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) away, and they will be deployed from 2026 onwards. The acquisition of Tomahawk missiles is intended to provide interim support while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries develops its own long-range missiles and upgrades their range capabilities.

Despite the concerns, the Japanese government has defended its decision, stating that the development of long-range missiles is necessary to ensure the country’s security in an increasingly uncertain region. The government has also emphasized that the development of such missiles is fully in compliance with international norms and regulations.

Japan’s decision to invest in this area is understandable given the security threats it faces. The successful development of long-range missiles will provide Japan with an important deterrent against potential aggressors and help to ensure its security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

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The VSHORAD (Very Short-Range Air Defence) System is an air defense system that was developed specifically for the Indian military. It was developed to guard against aerial threats, such as helicopters, low-flying aircraft, or unmanned ariel vehicles (UAVs).

The need for VSHORAD technology within India has grown more vital in the face of new and evolving threats to airspace. India’s diverse terrain and large coastline make it susceptible to attack from the air. The ever-growing threat from terrorist groups and rival countries makes it a major prioritization for the Indian military. 

This VSHORAD System is a versatile and mobile air defense system that can be deployed quickly to meet the changing demands of the Indian military. It has the most recent technology, sensors, and dual-thrust rocket motor for an increased range.

The VSHORAD System could also be designed to integrate with a defense system to safeguard the air, such as the Akash Air Defense System, to create a complete Air Defense System. The system’s network can detect and identify threats and then strike the threat with various weapons to defeat the threat.

The VSHORAD System was also designed to be fully automated. This makes it much simpler for Indian military personnel to maintain and manage. The system comes with advanced algorithms and software that aid in the efficient combat of aerial targets and monitoring the targets. This minimizes the possibility of human error and improves the system’s efficiency overall.

The requirement for a Vertical Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) system in India has grown increasingly important in recent years in light of the security concerns of the country and threats from aircraft of adversaries. In this article, we’ll examine the reasons India requires VSHORAD systems and how they can add to India’s overall security and defense.

1. Increased Threats from enemies Aircraft: India faces threats from hostile aircraft with the help of unmanned(UAVs) and manned aircraft. These aircraft can launch attacks at strategic targets and collect intelligence inside enemy lines. VSHORAD systems are specifically designed to guard against these kinds of threats, which makes them an integral part of Indian defense capability.
2. Protection of critical Infrastructure: India has several crucial infrastructure assets, like oil refineries, power stations, and military facilities, which are at risk of attacks by aircraft from the enemy. VSHORAD systems offer an additional level of security against attacks of this kind, assuring the availability of vital services and the security of strategic assets.
3. Integration with different Air Defense Systems: VSHORAD systems can be combined with different air defense systems, like radars that warn of danger, surface-to-air missiles, as well as anti-aircraft artillery creating an extensive air defense network. This integration will allow India to rapidly identify and respond to hostile aircraft, enhancing its defense capability of India.
4. Mobility and Flexibility: VSHORAD systems are highly mobile, which makes them perfect to be deployed in areas with poor infrastructure or rough terrain. The system’s flexibility and mobility allow the Indian military to respond quickly to threats regardless of the operational conditions.

   

5. Cost-effective Solution: VSHORAD systems are affordable compared to other air defense systems, including long-range air-to-air missiles. They are cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for India as they have many potential targets to guard at a lower price tag.
6. Modern technology: VSHORAD systems are equipped with the latest technology, which includes sophisticated sensor systems for weapons and communications systems. This allows the systems to track, detect, and even engage aircraft of adversaries with precision and efficiency and improve India’s defense capabilities.
7. Deterrent Effect: The presence of VSHORAD systems acts as a deterrent for potential aggressors as they raise the costs of initiating an attack and increase the probability of being spotted and repelled. This deterrent effect could assist in preventing conflict and ensure stability within the region.
8. Strategic Importance: India’s position at the intersection of Asia means it is strategically significant because it shares a border with many countries with competing interests. VSHORAD systems can help secure India’s borders, help maintain peace in the region, and aid in global peace and security.
9. International Cooperation: Acquisition of VSHORAD systems offers opportunities for sales to international customers and strengthens India’s relations with other countries. This collaboration can aid in the transfer of technologies, joint training and exercises, and the exchange of intelligence and knowledge, enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
10. Self-Reliance: The acquisition and development of VSHORAD systems are crucial for India’s independence in the field of defense. Through the development of its defense capabilities, India can reduce its dependence on foreign nations, increase its bargaining strength, and improve its security.

In the end, the need for the VSHORAD system in India is evident and urgent. They defend against aircraft and vital infrastructure and are connected with air defense systems. The portability, efficiency, and general versatility of VSHORAD systems make them indispensable to India’s defense capabilities. The purchase of the systems could add to the country’s independence in defense, strengthen its relationship with other nations, and further enhance its overall security.

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