The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities. The test took place on May 29, 2024, and was executed from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MK-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha around 11:30 AM, according to a report by the Press Information Bureau in Delhi.
In this important test, the RudraM-II missile achieved all its predetermined objectives. The test confirmed the proper functioning of the missile’s propulsion, control, and guidance systems, proving the missile’s reliability. Data collected from various tracking instruments, such as electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations, which were strategically set up at different locations including a ship, validated the missile’s performance accurately. This setup was managed by the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and industry partners for the successful test flight of the RudraM-II missile. He emphasized that the success reinforces the RudraM-II system as a valuable asset to the Indian armed forces. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also commended the DRDO team for their hard work and dedication that led to the successful trial.
The RudraM-II is an indigenous missile system that operates on solid fuel and is launched from the air. The name “Rudram” translates to “remover of sorrows,” signifying its purpose to neutralize enemy threats effectively. The RudraM series holds the distinction of being India’s first locally developed anti-radiation missiles.
Anti-radiation missiles are designed to detect and incapacitate enemy radar and communication systems by tracking their emitted radio signals, thereby neutralizing these threats. The RudraM-II missile can be launched from various altitudes, making it versatile in combat scenarios. It is capable of detecting enemy radio frequencies and radar signals from over 100 kilometers away. Moreover, it can operate in both Lock-On-Before-Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On-After-Launch (LOAL) modes, enhancing its operational flexibility and accuracy.
LOBL mode ensures that the missile locks onto its target before being fired, providing a precise aim.
. Conversely, LOAL mode allows the missile to be launched first and then lock onto its target while in flight. These modes significantly improve the missile’s targeting accuracy and flexibility during operations.
The RudraM-II boasts a range of 300 kilometers and can reach an impressive speed of up to Mach 5.5, which is approximately 1.9 kilometers per second or 6792 kilometers per hour. It is capable of carrying a payload of 200 kilograms, making it a formidable weapon in India’s arsenal. Currently, India’s Sukhoi fighter jets are equipped with Russia’s Kh-31 missiles, but these are soon expected to be replaced by the indigenously developed RudraM-II missiles.
A brief look into the RudraM-I reveals it as a next-generation anti-radiation missile (ARM) developed by DRDO. The RudraM-I has a range of 100 to 150 kilometers and can achieve speeds of up to Mach 2, which is twice the speed of sound. It can be launched from altitudes ranging between 1 and 15 kilometers. Four years prior, the Indian Air Force tested the RudraM-I missile at the integrated test range in Balasore, Odisha. This test occurred amid a tense border dispute between India and China in eastern Ladakh.
The RudraM-I missile is equipped with two types of seekers: a passive-homing head seeker and a Millimeter Wave (MMW) seeker. The passive-homing head seeker identifies targets using various radio frequencies, while the MMW seeker ensures the missile’s effectiveness under diverse weather conditions.
Looking ahead, Business Today reports that DRDO is already working on the RudraM-III, aiming to extend its range to over 500 kilometers, thereby significantly enhancing India’s strategic reach and defense capabilities.
The successful test of the RudraM-II missile represents a crucial achievement for India’s defense technology. It not only highlights the country’s capability to develop sophisticated weapon systems indigenously but also strengthens India’s defense posture to effectively counter varied threats.
(Side note: The views presented above are based on information released by authorized defense sources and media reports from the Press Information Bureau.)
