It is possible that Russia's air defense system will become heavier if this missile is 'used' by Ukraine. Precisely there are allegations that the MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jet can launch an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) Rampage.
Although not yet a real threat, there are indications that the Indian Navy's MiG-29K "Black Panther" could launch Rampages, and there are plans from the UK to supply Rampages to Ukraine.
As is known, the Ukrainian Air Force is a MiG-29 operator, which has so far successfully launched Western-made weapon systems, such as the AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile and the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) smart bomb. And the Rampage missile has not it has long been known to have been 'located' in one of the Indian Navy's MiG-29K fighter jet hangars.
The Rampage missile is produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). During the deployment, Rampage was prepared to be launched from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force.
But not long ago, a publication by Navalnews writer Adithya Krishna Menon on his X account, showed Rampage at the Naval Flying Test Squadron facility at the Indian Naval Air Base – INS Hansa. For the record, the fighter jet operating from INS Hansa is the MiG-29K.
India's intention to purchase Rampage missiles was first publicly announced in December 2022. Photo dated 30 August 2023, confirms that supply of Rampage has already started. The Rampage is essentially an EXTRA 306 mm ballistic missile reforged for the Israeli PULS artillery rocket system. The adaptation turns it into an air-launched weapon, the development of which was carried out jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems.
Designed by the Jewish State, the Rampage is designed to be launched by F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, IAI Kfir, and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters.
The rampage is powered by a solid propellant rocket. The speed of this missile is in the range of 350-550 meters per second (Mach 1.0 – Mach 1.6). The range of the Rampage has not been officially disclosed, which will depend on the speed at launch, which is in the range of 160 to 300 km. Rampage can fly in the altitude range of 910 – 12,190 meters.
Rampage adopts two guiding phases. At the mid-course stage using INS + altimeter with satellite guidance and two-way data link. Then at the terminal stage using infrared imaging. The level of accuracy claimed is 10 meters CEP (circular error probable).
From specifications, the Rampage can carry a Multi-EFP warhead weighing 150 kg. Detonation detonation uses radio proximity fuze and flash fragmentation. Rampage is 4.7 meters long and weighs 570 kg at launch.
Rampage was officially launched in June 2018, and was reportedly used for the first time in April 2019 in Syria. Meanwhile, in July 2023, the Royal Air Force considered using the Rampage missile after donating the Storm Shadow missile to Ukraine. The Rampage missile is believed to be cheaper than the Storm Shadow missile and easier to manufacture.
