IIT Madras Defence: India is getting ready to test a new defence technology that could make its rockets fly much farther. Scientists at IIT Madras have built a new ramjet engine that will soon be tested on the Grad rocket launcher. The first tests are planned for March. If everything goes well the system may be ready for real use by 2028. This new engine can help India depend less on foreign defence technology and make its own weapons stronger.
What Does New Ramjet Engine Does?
The ramjet engine is fully made in India and designed by IIT Madras. It is different from normal rocket engines. Usual rocket motors burn fuel fast and then stop working. A ramjet keeps pushing the rocket forward by using air from the atmosphere while flying. Because of this the rocket can travel much farther after launch. This makes it very useful for artillery rockets and missile-like weapons that need power for a longer time.
The first live tests of this new engine will happen on the Grad rocket launcher. Right now Grad rockets can hit targets about 40 km away. After adding the ramjet engine the range may grow to around 80 km. This means the Army can strike deeper targets without changing the launch vehicles it already uses. It is a big upgrade with very little extra effort.
Pinaka Rockets could get Better Range
After the Grad tests the same engine may be used on the Pinaka rocket system. At present Pinaka can reach up to 120 km. With ramjet power its range could go close to 250 km. If this happens Pinaka will become one of the longest-range rocket artillery systems in the world. This will greatly increase India’s strength in long-distance attacks.
Project Kusha: How India plans to build its own S-400-like Air Defence System
This ramjet project supports India’s goal of making its own defence systems. Longer range means better protection and stronger warning power along borders. It also helps India avoid buying costly foreign engines. After approval in 2028 the technology will be given to a company for mass production so it can be used by the armed forces.
