The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding its operational capabilities, confirming the use of Israeli-made Rampage missiles with its Su-30MKI fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. This development marks a significant advancement in India’s precision strike capabilities.
During a media briefing, Air Marshal A.P. Singh highlighted that integrating the Rampage missile onto the Su-30MKI platform is a crucial milestone for the IAF’s long-range strike readiness. The operational use of this missile represents an important enhancement in the Indian military’s ability to conduct precise and effective strike missions.
To further illustrate the operational capabilities of the Rampage missile, the IAF released a brief video obtained through pilot helmet cameras. The footage captures a Su-30MKI launching the 570-kg Rampage missile from its wing-mounted pylon over the Himalayan sector. The clip includes the radio call, “Fox Three – Rampage Away,” showcasing the missile’s guided flight trajectory directed towards a simulated enemy command bunker. The demonstration concludes with multiple secondary explosions upon impact, highlighting the missile’s destructive capability.
An official from the IAF confirmed that this is indeed the first operational deployment of the Rampage missile on the Su-30MKIs. The successful integration was achieved through extensive software and avionics upgrades designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which ensured that the missile could be seamlessly incorporated with the aircraft’s AL-31FP engine and sophisticated digital fire control systems.
Previously, the Rampage missile had been operational on IAF’s Jaguar DARIN-III strike aircraft and MiG-29K carrier-based fighters. On the Jaguars, it was effectively employed for deep-strike missions targeting strategic enemy assets, while on the MiG-29K, the missile was utilized for anti-ship roles. Adapting the Rampage for the larger Su-30MKI involved significant structural reinforcements and recalibrations to accommodate the missile’s load and flight dynamics.
India had procured the Rampage missiles from Israel between 2020 and 2021 during a period of heightened tensions with China. Since incorporating the weapon into its arsenal, it has become a pivotal element of the IAF’s modernization strategy, enhancing its capacity for precision strikes even in challenging conditions.
In an encouraging move towards bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities, sources indicate that India is now considering local production of the Rampage missile as part of its “Made in India” initiative, following the successful domestic production of the BrahMos missile. This prospective shift will significantly enhance India’s defense capabilities, promoting self-reliance in critical military technology and weapon systems.
