CRYSTAL MAZE 2 MISSILE -
DEFENCE AND SECURITY
News: India successfully tests new
250 km strike range air-launched ballistic missile
What's in the news?
●
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has effectively
conducted a test firing of the Crystal Maze 2 missile.
Crystal Maze 2 Missile:
●
Crystal Maze 2, also known as ROCKS, represents an air-launched
medium-range ballistic missile originating from Israel, serving a pivotal
role in modern military strategy.
Features of Crystal Maze
2:
Backdrop:
●
Developed in Israel,
Crystal Maze 2 is designed to engage high-value stationary and relocatable
assets, including long-range radars and air defense systems, within potential
adversary territories.
Features:
1. Enhanced
Capabilities:
●
Distinguishing itself from its predecessor, Crystal
Maze 1, the Crystal Maze 2 missile exhibits extended stand-off range
capabilities as an air-to-surface missile, enabling it to engage targets over
250 kilometers away.
2. Warhead Options:
●
The missile offers versatility with options for
either a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, enabling it to effectively
neutralize above-ground or well-protected underground targets.
3. GPS-Denied
Environments:
●
Crystal Maze 2 is specifically engineered to
operate efficiently in GPS-denied environments, ensuring operational
effectiveness even in challenging conditions.
4. Deployment Strategy:
●
The deployment strategy of ROCKS involves releasing
the missile outside the surface-to-air-defended area, followed by a
high-velocity trajectory to minimize risk to both aircraft and missiles during
engagement.