New Delhi (IPA Service): India has just achieved a successful test of its RudraM-II anti-radiation missiles. These missiles can be fired from both the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000 fighter jets, enabling India to target and disable enemy radars and communication systems effectively.
Dr SV Kamat, head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has confirmed the successful testing of the RudraM-II missile in July 2023, although the exact date was not revealed. RudraM stands for ‘Remover of Sorrows’. It is an air-to-surface missile developed by the DRDO.
In the world of military tech, radar, also known as radio detection and ranging, emerged as a game-changer in the 20th Century. This incredible invention enabled better communication across conflict zones and facilitated the tracking of both foe and friend—including weapons, planes, boats, submarines and much more. Truly, it became a vital ally in the fight against crime and injustice!
To neutralize the radar systems of military enemies, they created special missiles called anti-radiation missiles. These missiles were designed to target and destroy the radar equipment used by enemy forces.
An anti-radiation missile is a military weapon used to enable friendly aircraft to fly safely in the enemy’s airspace. It does this by destroying the enemy’s radar systems without getting close enough to be targeted by them.
India, for a long time, did not have indigenously built anti-radiation missiles to offset the enemy’s ground-based radars and other communication equipment. RudraM-1 was India’s first home grown anti-radiation missile. It underwent successful testing at Balasore’s Integrated Test Range on October 9, 2020. After conducting 6-7 more tests, it was integrated into the Air Force by 2022. The missile could be launched at altitudes of 500 metres to 15 kilometres and travelled at speeds of Mach 0.6 to 2. It could strike targets at distances ranging from 100-250 kilometres. With the ability to be effectively launched from Sukhoi-30 jets, RudraM-1 added to the Indian Air Force’s strategic prowess, enhancing its capabilities in defence operations.
RudraM-1 was designed specifically for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet. However, the newer version, RudraM-II, was later developed, allowing it to be launched not only from the Su-30MKI, but also from the Mirage-2000 fighter jets. This upgrade has significantly increased the versatility of the missile and has boosted the Indian Air Force’s capabilities as it can now engage targets up to a distance of 300 kilometres with precision.
The RudraM-I was designed to attack enemy radar systems and communication centres using passive homing, which means it tracks targets by following their own emitted signals. In contrast, the RudraM-II is more advanced, as it is equipped with an Imaging Infrared (IIR)-seeker along with passive homing. This IIR technology enables the missile to capture detailed images of the target using infrared radiation, making it capable of targeting a wider range of objectives, such as airstrips, bunkers and aircraft hangars, even in low light and adverse weather conditions.
RudraM-II can carry a 200-kilogram payload and reach speeds of up to Mach 5.5. It is launched from altitudes of 3-15 kilometres, as mentioned by the DRDO. The DRDO is actively developing a more powerful weapon system, called the RudraM-lll missile. It is expected to have an impressive operational range of 550 kilometres, significantly improving India’s ability to strike distant targets. The RudraM-lll will also have a larger warhead, allowing it to perform similar tasks as its predecessor and further enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities.(IPA Service)
By Girish Linganam, the author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political analyst based in Bengaluru. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Aryavarth Express.