India achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful test of a new variant of its Medium-Range Ballistic Missile on April 23, 2024. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the operational efficiency of the missile, capable of striking targets beyond 250 km. The test, supervised by the Strategic Forces Command, underscored the missile's integration with advanced technologies. This Medium-Range Ballistic Missile differs from the ‘Agni’ series and is speculated to be the Crystal Maze 2, an Israeli-origin air-launched ballistic missile, also known as ROCKS. The test, reportedly conducted by a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, affirmed the missile's capabilities.
Su-30 MKI (ETNews)
Why India Needs an Upgraded Defense System?
During the incursion of Pakistani soldiers into Kargil, India sought assistance in locating their positions. Consequently, Indian authorities approached the United States for access to GPS data. Regrettably, the United States declined the request for such information. They didn't want to share information from their space-based navigation system. If India had Crystal Maze II back then, it would have been truly game-changing.
Now, let's talk about Balakot. In 2019, the Indian Air Force launched an airstrike there. They wanted to destroy terrorist hideouts. But here's the tricky part: Balakot is in Pakistan, not far from the Line of Control. It's 81 kilometers from Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, and only 50 kilometers from the Line of Control. During the mission, Indian jets had to cross this line. It's a risky move that could cause tensions to rise even higher. But with Crystal Maze II, things could change. The Air Force is now able to hit Balakot without crossing over. That's huge! It gives them more options and makes their strategy smarter. Crystal Maze II isn't just a gadget. It's a game-changer in how India can protect itself.
About Crystal Maze-II
Developed by the Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israeli air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) stand out for their precision and effectiveness in targeting ground and naval installations. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, including inertial, imaging infrared, or TV guidance, these missiles ensure exceptional accuracy even over extended distances. Their versatility allows deployment from various platforms, such as aircraft and submarines, making them suitable for a wide range of missions, from striking enemy military installations to engaging naval vessels.
In the context of India's dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), these missiles hold particular significance. With their capability for precise terminal homing, operators can control the missile directly through an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a data link, using either a television or imaging infrared seeker. Importantly, the launching aircraft can safely exit the area after launch, as control of the missile can be seamlessly transferred to another platform. In addition to their advanced guidance systems, these missiles (ASMs) offer export versions with a choice between two types of warheads: a 340 kg (750 lb) blast/fragmentation warhead or a 360 kg (790 lb) penetrator. These warheads are designed to cater to different mission requirements, providing operators with flexibility and precision in targeting.
Strategic Importance of ALBMs
The extended range of Crystal Maze-II holds strategic significance for India's defense posture. With the capability to strike targets deep within enemy territory, the Indian Air Force (IAF) gains enhanced operational flexibility. ALBMs, like Crystal Maze-II, offer the capability to strike high-value targets in GPS-denied environments, providing a strategic advantage in conflicts where access to precise navigation data may be restricted. This relevance has been accentuated in contemporary warfare scenarios, as evidenced by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Russian fighter jets have been launching ALBMs from deep within their own territory, staying far away from Ukrainian air defenses.
ALBMs offer a unique advantage due to their ability to be launched from various platforms, such as fighter jets, bombers, and other aircraft. This versatility ensures rapid deployment and adaptability to evolving scenarios, unlike ground-based missiles that are restricted to fixed launch sites. This unpredictability makes ALBMs challenging to predict and counter adversaries, enhancing their strategic value.
Launching from high altitudes, ALBMs can circumvent enemy air defenses and missile interception systems, increasing the likelihood of successful strikes. Approaching targets from unexpected angles adds another layer of complexity for adversaries, further enhancing the effectiveness of ALBMs in combat situations.
One of the key advantages of ALBMs is their shorter flight times compared to ground-launched missiles. This reduced warning time poses a significant challenge for adversaries, limiting their ability to respond effectively. Additionally, ALBMs can be deployed covertly, catching opponents off guard and disrupting their military operations. Surprise launches create confusion among adversaries, amplifying the strategic impact of ALBMs in modern warfare scenarios.
While ALBMs offer significant advantages, their implementation poses challenges related to aircraft modifications, safety protocols, and coordination. However, these challenges are outweighed by the strategic benefits they offer in bolstering India's defense capabilities and deterring aggression.
Aerospace & Defence Analyst Linganna on Crystal Maze 2
“Crystal Maze 2 is an advanced air-launched missile developed by Israel, designed for precision strikes on high-value targets. This missile is capable of engaging heavily fortified positions from long distances, ensuring minimal collateral damage. It is renowned for its accuracy and reliability in combat scenarios, making it a preferred choice for missions requiring surgical precision. The missile’s integration into various platforms enhances its operational flexibility and effectiveness in diverse combat environments,” explains Girish Linganna, Aerospace & Defense Analyst.
According to Linganna, “Crystal Maze 2 operates effectively in GPS-denied areas and can breach regions secured by air defense systems. This system allows for the choice between penetration or blast fragmentation warheads, making it suitable for targeting both surface and heavily fortified underground facilities.”
Make in India Initiative
India is currently advancing through the developmental phase of the Crystal Maze 2 missile, a pivotal project in its quest for self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted successful tests on this missile, signaling its readiness to integrate cutting-edge technology into its arsenal. With plans to acquire the Crystal Maze 2 in significant numbers, India is taking bold steps towards bolstering its defense capabilities while simultaneously embracing the Make in India initiative. This initiative exemplifies India's unwavering commitment to reducing dependence on foreign imports and fostering indigenous production across various sectors, particularly in defense, to ensure national security and promote economic growth.
India’s Defense System Going Global
In a significant move amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, India delivered the fourth 'battery' of land versions of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. According to a Hindustan Times report (Shishir Gupta. India delivers the fourth BrahMos missile battery to Philippines. Hindustan Times.), The delivery, made via a C-17 Globemaster of the Indian Air Force, underscores India's commitment to bolstering defense cooperation with regional partners. Each battery comprises four launchers equipped with three missiles boasting a range of 290 km, strategically positioned on mobile platforms to ensure the survivability of the conventional deterrent.
The BrahMos missile's supersonic speed poses a formidable challenge to intercept by both land and ship-based Ballistic Missile Defence (BMDs) systems, further enhancing its efficacy as a potent defense asset. This deal not only strengthens the Philippines' defense capabilities but also highlights India's growing role as a reliable defense partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
Moreover, the successful delivery of these missiles contributes to India's burgeoning defense exports, which reached ₹21083 crores in the fiscal year 2023-2024, marking a significant 32.5% year-on-year growth. This substantial increase underscores India's emergence as a key player in the global defense market.
As per a report (India 4th largest military spender in 2023, says new Sipri report. Hindustan Times.), by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India ranked as the fourth-largest military spender worldwide in the previous year, with an expenditure of $83.6 billion. This expenditure, which reflects a 4.2% increase from the previous year, underscores India's unwavering commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in alignment with evolving geopolitical dynamics.
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