SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has taken a significant step forward in bolstering its aerial combat capabilities by officially integrating the Israeli-manufactured Rampage air-to-surface missile into its MiG-29K fighter jets. This move underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its defense infrastructure amid escalating regional security concerns and highlights the enduring technological collaboration between India and Israel.
The Rampage missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and IMI Systems, boasts an impressive operational range of 250 kilometres and travels at supersonic speeds. This capability allows the MiG-29Ks to strike high-value targets from distances well beyond the reach of most enemy air defence systems, thereby offering a substantial strategic advantage. The missile’s integration into the naval fleet serves multiple objectives.
By extending the strike range of the MiG-29Ks, the Indian Navy can deter potential adversaries more effectively, particularly in the complex maritime environment of the Indian Ocean where tensions with regional powers like China and Pakistan are of strategic concern.
The Rampage’s precision, with a circular error probable (CEP) of 10 meters, allows for targeted strikes on critical infrastructure such as airbases, command centers, and logistical hubs, minimizing collateral damage and optimizing impact in both rural and urban settings.
Equipped with an inertial and GPS navigation system enhanced with anti-jamming technology, the Rampage can operate under adverse weather conditions, ensuring reliability and effectiveness regardless of environmental challenges.
At 4.7 meters long, the Rampage is integrated with the Range Extension and Smart Tail (REST) kit, which provides it with both range and maneuverability. The missile’s design allows for integration without extensive modifications to existing aircraft avionics, making it a cost-effective solution. For the MiG-29Ks, minor adaptations like new bomb racks and wiring upgrades were necessary.
Beyond the Indian Navy, the Rampage has also been adopted by the Indian Air Force for its Sukhoi Su-30MKIs, Jaguars, and MiG-29s, showcasing a strategic approach to uniform capability enhancement across branches.
Each aircraft can be fitted with up to four Rampage missiles, offering the flexibility for either multiple target engagements or concentrated strikes on a single critical point. The missile’s anti-jamming features make it resilient in scenarios involving electronic warfare, providing sustained operational capability even in contested electromagnetic environments.
The integration of the Rampage into the Indian military’s arsenal is timely, given the increasing naval activities by China in the Indian Ocean region. India’s strategic positioning on its aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, now equipped with this advanced missile, significantly enhances India’s maritime security framework. This development is part of a broader initiative to counterbalance regional military expansions and secure India’s strategic interests.
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