DRDO Hands Over Advanced Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to Indian Navy

DRDO Hands Over Advanced Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to Indian Navy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officially handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in a ceremony held in New Delhi on June 26, 2024.

Technology Description

The Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) is an advanced technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur. This technology is designed to obscure radar signals and create a microwave shield around platforms and assets, significantly reducing their radar detection.

Features of MR-MOCR

  • Fibres: The chaff rocket contains special fibres with diameters of a few microns and unique microwave obscuration properties.
  • Obscurant Cloud: When fired, the rocket releases a microwave obscurant cloud that spreads over a significant area and remains effective for a sufficient duration. This creates an effective shield against threats with Radio Frequency seekers.

Trial Phases and Results

  • Phase-I Trials: Conducted successfully from Indian Navy ships, these trials demonstrated the formation and persistence of the MOC cloud in space.
  • Phase-II Trials: Showed a reduction in the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of an aerial target by up to 90%. These results were cleared and approved by the Indian Navy.

Official Handing Over

The MR-MOCR was handed over by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, to Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha, Director General of Naval Armament Inspection, Indian Navy.

Commendations

  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh: Praised DRDO and the Indian Navy for the successful development of MR-MOCR, highlighting it as a step towards achieving self-reliance in defence.
  • Dr. Samir V. Kamat: Congratulated the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur team for their significant achievement.
  • Rear Admiral Brijesh Vashistha: Applauded DRDO for the indigenous development of this strategically important technology in a short span of time.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What is the primary function of the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR)?
    • a) To destroy enemy missiles.
    • b) To create a visual smoke screen.
    • c) To obscure radar signals and create a microwave shield.
    • d) To launch communication satellites.
    Answer: c) To obscure radar signals and create a microwave shield.
  2. Which laboratory developed the Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC) technology?
    • a) Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur.
    • b) Naval Research Laboratory, Mumbai.
    • c) Air Force Research Laboratory, Bangalore.
    • d) Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
    Answer: a) Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur.
  3. During which phase of trials was a 90% reduction in Radar Cross Section (RCS) demonstrated?
    • a) Phase-I trials.
    • b) Phase-II trials.
    • c) Phase-III trials.
    • d) Preliminary trials.
    Answer: b) Phase-II trials.
  4. Who handed over the MR-MOCR to the Indian Navy?
    • a) Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
    • b) DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat.
    • c) Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur team.
    • d) Director General of Naval Armament Inspection.
    Answer: b) DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat.
  5. What significant achievement was congratulated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh?
    • a) Launching a new satellite.
    • b) Successful development of MR-MOCR.
    • c) Completing a new naval base.
    • d) Advancements in missile technology.
    Answer: b) Successful development of MR-MOCR.