DRDO Delivers MR-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy

Successful Phase-I trials of the MR-MOCR were conducted from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the formation and persistence of the MOC cloud in space.

In a ceremony held in New Delhi on June 26, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) formally handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy. Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, the MR-MOCR incorporates Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology, designed to obscure radar signals and enhance the radar shielding capabilities of naval platforms.

The MR-MOCR utilizes special fibres with micrometre-scale diameters and unique microwave obscuration properties. When launched, the rocket disperses a cloud of microwave obscurant in space, effectively creating a shield that reduces radar detection from hostile threats equipped with Radio Frequency (RF) seekers.

Successful Phase-I trials of the MR-MOCR were conducted from Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the formation and persistence of the MOC cloud in space. Phase-II trials further validated the rocket's effectiveness by showcasing a significant 90% reduction in the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of aerial targets, a critical achievement verified and approved by the Indian Navy. The MR-MOCR units, meeting all qualification criteria, have now been formally delivered to the Indian Navy.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and the Indian Navy for the successful development and deployment of the MR-MOCR, highlighting the MOC technology as a significant stride towards achieving self-reliance in defence capabilities.

The handover ceremony was presided over by Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, who presented 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 delivering this strategically-important technology within a short timeframe. Rear Admiral Vashistha also applauded DRDO for its swift and successful indigenous development of the MR-MOCR, emphasizing its critical role in bolstering India's naval defence capabilities.

This advancement marks a significant enhancement in India's naval defence technology, reinforcing its capabilities to safeguard naval assets against modern threats.