QUE: The successful test-firing of the Rudram-II missile can be considered a major step in India’s defence sector. What is the Rudram missile and how will it help improve India’s defence capabilities?

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the Rudram-II missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet off the coast of Odisha.

• Rudram-2 missile:

• Rudram-2 is a solid-fueled air-launched missile system developed for air-to-surface operations.
• It is an anti-radiation supersonic missile indigenously developed by DRDO.
• Range: This missile can be launched from an altitude of 3 to 15 km and has a range of 300-350 km.
• Speed: The missile has a top speed of Mach 5.5 (5.5 times the speed of sound).
• Payload: It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 200 kg i.e. explosives.
• Detection: It can detect the radio frequency and signal of enemy radars from a distance of more than 100 km.
• The missile’s internal guidance system enables it to orient itself towards the target after launch.

• Role of Rudram-2 missile in improving India’s defense capabilities:

• It is capable of destroying various types of enemy assets. For example, this missile is capable of destroying aircraft hangars, bunkers and airstrips.
• It is designed to target enemy ground radars (surveillance, tracking) and communication stations in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) mission.
• It can be launched from various platforms, especially fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which will contribute to enhancing India’s airstrike capability.
• Indigenous Development: The anti-radiation protection technology used in the Rudram missile has been indigenously developed which is important for a self-reliant India, which will reduce India’s dependence on foreign weapon systems.
• Improved Strike Capabilities: With its precise guidance and advanced navigation systems, the Rudram-II missile can destroy strategic targets more effectively, making India’s defence capability more powerful.
• It has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening India’s air security and defence preparedness.
• Its performance has been evaluated using advanced range tracking equipment including electro-optical systems, radar and telemetry stations, which is crucial for assessing its defence quality.

It can replace the Russian Kh-31 missile, which is currently used in India’s Sukhoi fighter jets. Which makes a significant contribution to increasing India’s security. Thus, the Rudram-2 missile will play an important role in India’s defense sector.