India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed anti-radiation missile, ‘Rudram-II’, from a Su-30MKI fighter jet. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this air-surface missile aims to target enemy ground radars and communication stations, enhancing India’s Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capabilities.
The flight test of the Rudram-II met all trial objectives, validating the missile’s propulsion system and control and guidance algorithms. The successful test consolidates the missile’s role as a force multiplier for the Indian Armed Forces.
The Rudram-II is an upgraded version of the Rudram-I, which was tested in 2020. The new missile features an indigenously developed solid-propelled air-launched system, designed to neutralize a variety of enemy assets. It can be launched from various altitudes and has the capability to detect and lock onto enemy radio frequencies and radar signals from over 100 km away. It operates using both Lock-On-Before-Launch and Lock-On-After-Launch systems, guided by an internal navigation system.
India currently operates the Russian Kh-31 anti-radiation missile, which the Rudram series is set to replace. The performance of Rudram-II was validated using data from range tracking instruments, including electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations deployed by the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), and industry partners on the successful test. He emphasized that the Rudram-II system significantly boosts the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
The Rudram-I version, tested in 2020, features two seekers: a passive-homing head seeker and a Millimetre Wave (MMW) seeker, allowing the missile to operate in various weather conditions. The mark-1 version has a range of 100-150 km and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.
In 2022, the IAF proposed acquiring the Next Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM) in a ₹1,400 crore deal, with reports suggesting the missile could be launched from Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. Adani Defence has partnered with DRDO for mass production of the Rudram-I missile.
Sources By Agencies
