27 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. DRDO hands over Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2028794 )

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology – Indigenization of technology

Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in New Delhi. This technology uses Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) to create a protective shield against radar detection, marking a significant step towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities and self-reliance in military technology.

Analysis of the news:

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) delivered the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy on June 26, 2024.
• Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, the MR-MOCR utilises Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology to obscure radar signals and create a protective microwave shield around platforms.

Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology:

Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology involves deploying small, reflective metallic strips or particles to disrupt radar detection. When released from aircraft, ships, or ground-based platforms, these chaff materials create a dense cloud that reflects radar waves, confusing enemy radar systems and deflecting incoming radar-guided threats. MOC serves as a defensive countermeasure to protect military assets by concealing their exact location and thwarting enemy targeting capabilities during operations.

• The rocket contains specialised fibres with micron-sized diameters, crucial for effective radar obscurity.
• Phase-I trials conducted on Indian Navy ships confirmed the successful deployment and persistence of the MOC cloud in space.
• Phase-II trials demonstrated a remarkable 90% reduction in Radar Cross Section (RCS) of aerial targets, validating its operational effectiveness.
• The MR-MOCR systems handed over to the Indian Navy met all qualification criteria for deployment.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and the Indian Navy for achieving self-reliance in defence through MOC technology.

Practice Question:  Explain the significance of Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology in modern military operations. Discuss its role as a defensive countermeasure and its effectiveness in enhancing operational security. (150 Words /10 marks)