India has successfully test-fired the RudraM-II, an air-to-surface anti-radiation missile, from a Su-30MKI fighter jet. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this supersonic missile is designed to target enemy ground radars and communication stations, playing a crucial role in Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions.

The recent flight test, which met all trial objectives, validated the propulsion system and control and guidance algorithm of the missile.

Indigenously developed Air to Surface RudraM-II missile was successfully flight-tested from Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha coast today. The flight-test met all the trial objectives, validating the propulsion system, control & guidance algorithm@DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/xEYxhckQTZ

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) May 29, 2024

RudraM-II is the latest version following the earlier mark-1 version, which was tested four years ago. This solid-propelled missile system is developed indigenously and is set to replace the Russian Kh-31 anti-radiation missiles currently operated by India. The RudraM-II can neutralize various enemy assets, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The performance of the RudraM-II was validated using range tracking instruments like electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations, including those deployed on ships.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the IAF, and the industry on the successful test-flight, emphasizing the role of the RudraM-II as a force multiplier for the Armed Forces.

Also Read: DRDO successfully flight tests Very Short Range Air Defence System

The missile can be launched from various altitudes and is capable of detecting enemy radio frequencies and signals from radars from over 100 km away. It can operate in Lock-On-Before/After-Launch systems, with an internal guidance system that directs it toward the target post-launch.

The RudraM-I version, which was test-fired in 2020, features two seekers: a passive-homing head seeker for detecting and classifying targets over a range of radio frequencies, and a Millimetre Wave (MMW) seeker for operating in different weather conditions. The mark-1 version has a range of 100-150 km and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2. It also has a launch altitude range of 1 km to 15 km.

In 2022, the Indian Air Force proposed acquiring the Next Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM) in a ₹1,400 crore deal, with reports suggesting that the missile can be launched from the Mirage 2000 multirole fighter aircraft. Adani Defence has partnered with DRDO in the mass production of the Rudram-I missile.