What is Crystal Maze 2?

April 24, 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully carried out a test firing of the Crystal Maze 2 missile.

About Crystal Maze 2:

  • Also referred to as ROCKS, it is an air-launched medium-rangeballistic missile. It is of Israeli origin.
  • It is designed to target high-value stationary and relocatable assets, such as long-range radars and air defense systems, of potential adversaries.
  • Features:
    • Distinguished from its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, which has been inducted into the IAF from Israel previously, the Crystal Maze 2 boasts extended stand-off range capabilities as an air-to-surface missile.
    • It is capable of hitting targets over 250 kilometers With options for either a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, the missile is capable of destroying above-ground or well-protected underground targets.
    • It is specifically effective in GPS-denied environments. The deployment strategy of the ROCKS involves releasing the missile well outside the surface-to-air-defended area, followed by a high-velocity trajectory to minimize the risk to aircraft and missiles.