SOURCE: AFI
A recent media report has brought to light the integration of Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Rampage air-to-surface missile onto the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets, marking a significant enhancement in the naval aviation’s strike capabilities.
The Rampage missile, known for its high-speed, long-range, and precision strike capabilities, has been showcased in a photograph where it is mounted on the wing of a MiG-29K, indicating successful integration and testing. This missile, which can be launched from various aircraft platforms, offers the Indian Navy the ability to engage high-value targets from a safe standoff distance, reducing the risk to pilots and aircraft from enemy air defenses.
Originally developed by IAI in collaboration with IMI Systems, the Rampage missile is a derivative of the EXTRA (Extended Range Artillery) rocket system. It was designed to address the need for a cost-effective, high-precision weapon that could strike fixed targets with minimal collateral damage. The missile’s ability to travel at supersonic speed and its vertical descent onto the target make it particularly effective against well-protected installations like command centers, radar sites, and infrastructure, even in urban environments.
The integration of the Rampage on the MiG-29K, which serves aboard India’s aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, underscores India’s strategic intent to modernize its naval air arm. This move not only augments the striking power of the Indian Navy but also signifies a deepening of defense cooperation between India and Israel, with whom India shares a long history of military technology partnerships.
The Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fleet, which has been operational since 2010, has faced criticisms regarding reliability and maintenance. However, this upgrade with the Rampage missile indicates a commitment to extend the operational life and capability enhancement of these aircraft until they are eventually replaced by newer models like the Rafale M.
This development comes at a time when India is actively looking to strengthen its military capabilities across all domains, especially in light of regional security challenges. The Rampage missile’s integration is part of a broader initiative to integrate advanced weaponry into existing platforms, ensuring that the Indian military remains at the forefront of technological warfare.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.