The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy. The ceremony, held on June 26, 2024, in New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities.
The Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, is an advanced technology designed to obscure radar signals. This innovation creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, significantly reducing their radar detection.
The MR-MOCR incorporates special fibers with unique microwave obscuration properties, assembled in a medium-range rocket. Upon firing, the rocket disperses a microwave obscurant cloud in space, covering a large area with adequate persistence time, effectively shielding against hostile threats with Radio Frequency seekers.
The MR-MOCR underwent successful Phase-I trials from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the MOC cloud’s blooming and persistence in space. In Phase-II trials, the Radar Cross Section (RCS) reduction of an aerial target by 90% was achieved, and the results were cleared by the Indian Navy.
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Following these successful trials, the MR-MOCR units meeting all qualification requirements were handed over to the Indian Navy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and the Indian Navy for the successful development of MR-MOCR, describing the MOC technology as a significant step towards achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.
The MR-MOCR was handed over by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, to Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha, Director General of Naval Armament Inspection, Indian Navy. Dr. Kamat congratulated the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur team for their significant achievement. Rear Admiral Vashistha also commended DRDO’s efforts in indigenously developing this strategically important technology in a short period.
This handover signifies a major advancement in India’s defense technology, enhancing the Indian Navy’s capability to counter radar detection and improve strategic defense mechanisms.
