New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) formally handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held in New Delhi today. The MR-MOCR, developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, features cutting-edge Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology designed to obscure radar signals and provide enhanced protection to naval assets against radar detection.
The MR-MOCR utilizes specially engineered fibres, with diameters measured in microns, known for their unique microwave obscuration properties. When deployed, the rocket releases a cloud of microwave obscurant in space, creating a shield that effectively reduces the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of naval platforms. This capability is crucial in countering threats equipped with Radio Frequency (RF) seekers.
Phase-I trials of the MR-MOCR were successfully conducted from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the cloud blooming of MOC and its persistence in space. Phase-II trials further validated the rocket’s performance, showcasing up to 90 percent reduction in the RCS of aerial targets, as confirmed by the Indian Navy. Following these successful trials, a batch of MR-MOCR units that meet all qualification requirements has been formally transferred to the Indian Navy.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and the Indian Navy for achieving this milestone in defence technology. He highlighted the MOC technology as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence capabilities.
The ceremonial handover took place with Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V. Kamat presenting the MR-MOCR to Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha, Director General of Naval Armament Inspection, Indian Navy. Dr. Kamat commended the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur team for their dedication and expertise in developing this strategically important technology within a short timeframe. Rear Admiral Vashistha acknowledged DRDO’s efforts in indigenous innovation, emphasizing the critical role of MR-MOCR in bolstering naval defence capabilities.