DRDO Hands Over Radar Obscuration Technology to Navy

In a significant leap towards enhancing the stealth capabilities of the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over a groundbreaking technology designed to obscure radar signals and create a microwave shield around naval platforms and assets. This innovative technology, named the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR), represents a monumental advancement in naval defense, reducing radar detection and providing a tactical edge in modern warfare.

The official handover ceremony, held on a momentous Wednesday, saw DRDO transfer the MR-MOCR to the Indian Navy. This cutting-edge technology, developed by the Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, has been meticulously crafted to generate a microwave obscurant cloud, effectively camouflaging naval assets from radar detection. The microwave shield formed by the MR-MOCR is achieved through a special type of fiber with a diameter of mere microns, boasting unique microwave obscuration properties.

Upon firing, the MR-MOCR disperses these fibers into space, creating a cloud that spreads over a considerable area and remains persistent for an adequate duration. This cloud serves as an effective shield against threats equipped with radio frequency seekers, thereby significantly enhancing the survivability of naval platforms.

The development of the MR-MOCR has undergone rigorous testing, with phase-I trials successfully conducted from Indian Navy ships. These trials demonstrated the cloud's ability to bloom and persist in space, validating its efficacy. In the subsequent phase-II trials, the technology showcased its remarkable capability by reducing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of an aerial target by an impressive 90 percent, a milestone that has been officially cleared by the Indian Navy.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO and the Indian Navy for their collaborative efforts in developing the MR-MOCR. He emphasized that this achievement marks another crucial step towards achieving 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defense technology. The successful development of the MR-MOCR not only underscores India's growing prowess in defense innovation but also fortifies its maritime security infrastructure.

The official handover of the MR-MOCR was conducted by Samir V Kamat, the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, to Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha, the Director General of Naval Armament Inspection, Indian Navy. Chairman Kamat congratulated the Defence Laboratory's Jodhpur team for their remarkable achievement, highlighting the strategic importance of the MR-MOCR in modern naval warfare.

Rear Admiral Vashistha echoed these sentiments, applauding the DRDO for indigenously developing such a crucial technology in a relatively short span of time. He emphasized that the MR-MOCR would play a vital role in enhancing the stealth capabilities of the Indian Navy, ensuring that its platforms remain undetected and secure in the face of evolving threats.

This groundbreaking technology represents a significant milestone in India's defense capabilities, reinforcing the nation's commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement. The MR-MOCR not only enhances the operational readiness of the Indian Navy but also positions India as a formidable force in the realm of defense innovation.

As global maritime security dynamics continue to evolve, the induction of the MR-MOCR into the Indian Navy's arsenal underscores the strategic foresight and technical prowess of India's defense establishment. This milestone achievement paves the way for further advancements in stealth technology, ensuring that India's naval forces remain at the cutting edge of modern warfare.

In conclusion, the successful handover of the MR-MOCR to the Indian Navy marks a significant triumph for the DRDO and India's defense sector. This state-of-the-art radar obscuration technology not only bolsters the stealth capabilities of naval platforms but also reinforces India's position as a leader in defense innovation. The future of naval warfare is undoubtedly being shaped by such groundbreaking advancements, and the MR-MOCR stands as a testament to India's unwavering commitment to achieving technological self-reliance and maritime security.