What is Crystal Maze 2?

About Crystal Maze 2

• Crystal Maze 2, also referred to as ROCKS, is an air-launched medium-range ballistic 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 away.
  • 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.

Q1: What are ballistic missiles?

Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.

Source: India successfully tests new 250 km strike range air-launched ballistic missile