Rampage Air-Launched Ballistic Missile

From Astra Kosh, the AlphaDefense encyclopedia · Category: Air Systems
Contents
  1. Design
  2. Combat Use
  3. Expansion and Local Production
  4. Specifications
  5. Sources

Rampage is an Israeli-developed, air-launched precision-strike missile — originally designated MARS (Multi-purpose, Air-launched Rocket System) — jointly developed by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), acquired by the Indian Air Force to provide a cost-effective, high-speed, mid-range standoff strike capability from its Su-30MKI and Jaguar fleets.[1]

Design

Rampage is a supersonic, air-launched, rocket-propelled precision-guided missile with a strike range of roughly 250–300 km, filling a strike-range niche between shorter-range precision-guided bombs and longer-range dedicated air-launched ballistic/cruise missiles. It offers a lower-cost alternative to more expensive long-range strike weapons for engaging high-value, precisely located ground targets such as command posts, airbases and infrastructure.[1]

Combat Use

The IAF used Rampage in combat for the first time on 10 May 2025 during Operation Sindoor, a nearly 100-hour confrontation with Pakistan. Su-30MKI and Jaguar strike aircraft launched Rampage missiles against high-value Pakistani targets — including Sukkur airbase and facilities at Bahawalpur and Muridke — with the strikes assessed as demonstrating exceptional precision and operational success.[2][3]

Expansion and Local Production

Following the operational success of Rampage during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force has moved to expand its Rampage acquisition, including plans to integrate the missile onto the MiG-29 fleet. India and Israel are separately exploring industrial cooperation for large-scale local manufacture of Rampage, potentially through a joint venture involving IAI, Elbit Systems (which now incorporates IMI) and Indian defence firms such as Bharat Dynamics Limited or Kalyani Strategic Systems. India has also expressed interest in following up Rampage’s success with local production of the related, longer-range Air LORA air-launched ballistic missile.[4][5]

Specifications

Type Air-launched, supersonic precision-strike missile
Developer Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)
Original designation MARS (Multi-purpose, Air-launched Rocket System)
Range ~250–300 km
IAF launch platforms Su-30MKI, Jaguar; MiG-29 integration planned
First combat use (IAF) 10 May 2025, Operation Sindoor
Local production Under discussion (IAI/Elbit with BDL/Kalyani Strategic Systems)

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, “Rampage (missile).”
  2. IDRW, “Indian Air Force Bolsters Long-Range Strike Capabilities with Expanded Rampage Missile Acquisition.”
  3. PressReader, “Indian Air Force, Navy aircraft fleets get Rampage missile boost.”
  4. Swarajya, “India To Upgrade MiG-29 Fighter Jets With Israeli Rampage Missiles.”
  5. IDRW, “After Rampage Success, IAF Considering Indigenous Production of Air LORA Air-Launched Ballistic Missile.”