The Indian Navy has invited proposals from the country’s defense companies for indigenous development and manufacturing of 80 mm air-to-ground rockets to be used for its MiG-29K/KUB aircraft. The objective of this step is to reduce dependence on foreign imports and strengthen the ‘Self-reliant India’ campaign. At present this unguided rocket is purchased from abroad. It is used by MiG-29K fighter jets deployed on the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
This rocket is fired from the B8M-1 launcher pod and is capable of targeting armored vehicles, radar stations, enemy aircraft and infantry. The Navy plans to purchase about 273 operational rockets and 2,400 practice rounds after successful testing. The target has been set to put this indigenous system into service by the year 2026-27. According to the Expression of Interest (EoI) issued, the weight of this rocket will be about 11.3 kg and its length will be about 1.54 meters. It will move towards the target at a speed of about 600 meters per second and its effective range will be between 1.3 to 4 kilometers.
Ability to penetrate 400 mm thick armor
The rocket will have a high-explosive warhead of about 0.9 kg, which will have the capability to penetrate 400 mm thick armor in case of a direct hit. At the time of explosion, it will also spread at least 400 deadly metal fragments, which can cause damage in a large area. The Indian Navy has also stipulated that the indigenous rocket should have a minimum service life of 15 years and it can operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -60 degrees Celsius to +60 degrees Celsius. Also, it can be used safely at altitudes up to 20,000 meters.
This initiative is another big step towards indigenization in the Indian defense sector. In recent years, the Army, Air Force and Navy have been continuously emphasizing on domestic manufacturing of missiles, rockets and ammunition, so that dependence on foreign supplies can be reduced in future.
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