New Delhi, June 26, 2024 – In a significant advancement towards enhancing the defense capabilities of the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officially handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The MR-MOCR, a state-of-the-art defensive technology, is designed to create a microwave shield that obscures radar signals, thereby reducing the likelihood of detection by enemy radar systems.
Key Features of MR-MOCR
Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC)
The MR-MOCR utilizes a cutting-edge technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur. This technology involves special fibers with diameters of just a few microns. These fibers possess unique microwave obscuration properties that, when deployed, form a cloud in space, effectively shielding naval platforms and assets from hostile threats equipped with Radio Frequency (RF) seekers.
Chaff Deployment
When the chaff rocket is fired, it disperses fibers into the atmosphere, creating a persistent microwave obscurant cloud that can spread over a significant area. This cloud serves as a protective barrier, making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect and track the Indian Navy’s ships and other assets.
Successful Trials
The MR-MOCR has undergone rigorous testing phases to ensure its efficacy and reliability:
- Phase-I Trials: These were successfully conducted from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the formation and persistence of the microwave obscurant cloud.
- Phase-II Trials: This phase focused on reducing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of an aerial target by up to 90%, a milestone that was successfully achieved and cleared by the Indian Navy.
The development of the MR-MOCR represents a significant leap towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense technology. By obscuring radar signals, the MR-MOCR enhances the stealth and survivability of naval platforms against modern radar-equipped threats.
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