NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officially transferred the medium range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy today at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
It marks a significant move towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities. Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) is a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, thus reducing radar detection.
The rocket, which disperses a cloud of specially designed fibres measuring only a few microns in diameter, demonstrated its efficacy during Phase-I trials conducted from Indian Navy ships. These trials confirmed the rocket’s ability to deploy a persistent MOC cloud in space, effectively shielding naval platforms from detection.
During Phase-II trials, the MR-MOCR showcased its capability to significantly reduce the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of aerial targets by up to 90%, demonstrating its operational readiness and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, formally handed over the MR-MOCR to Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha, Director General of Naval Armament Inspection, Indian Navy. The ceremony was graced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who lauded the achievement as a testament to India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence technology.
“The Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket marks another stride towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence,” stated Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, emphasizing the strategic significance of the indigenous development of the MR-MOCR.
Dr. Samir V Kamat commended the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur team for their dedicated efforts in achieving this milestone, while Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha expressed appreciation for DRDO’s rapid development of this critical technology.
The successful deployment of the MR-MOCR underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its naval defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous technological advancements. With the handover complete, the Indian Navy is poised to integrate this advanced defensive system into its operational framework, further bolstering the nation’s security posture on maritime fronts.