SOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous defense program achieved a major milestone on May 2nd, 2024, with the successful flight testing of the New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM), also known as RudraM-I. This air-to-ground weapon system, launched from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet, hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, achieving a miss distance of a mere 5 meters.
The test, conducted at the Chandan Range in Rajasthan, saw the RudraM-I achieve a direct hit on its target, demonstrating exceptional accuracy with a miss distance of a mere 5 meters. This accomplishment validated the missile’s entire mission profile and its ability to neutralize enemy targets with pinpoint precision.
This launch wasn’t just about hitting the bullseye. It aimed to showcase the effectiveness of the missile’s warhead during its final approach. The mission sequence flawlessly guided the RudraM-I towards the designated target, culminating in the warhead’s successful detonation and complete destruction of the target.
The test served as a testament to India’s growing missile technology prowess. Several crucial aspects of the RudraM-I were validated, including:
- Safe Separation: The missile flawlessly separated from the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft from which it was launched.
- Advanced Propulsion: The long-range, dual-pulse solid propulsion system functioned perfectly.
- Precise Guidance: The guidance and control algorithms, which utilize a combination of inertial navigation systems and electro-mechanical actuation systems, performed flawlessly.
- Terminal Accuracy: The end-game processor, guided by data from the laser altimeter, ensured the warhead’s detonation at the precise moment for maximum impact.
- Warhead Efficiency: The pre-fragmented warhead, triggered by the safe-arm mechanism, successfully destroyed the target.
This landmark achievement involved the coordinated efforts of numerous organizations. DRDO laboratories like DRDL (Hyderabad), RCI, ASL, DLRL, ARDE, HEMRL, IRDE, and ITR played a pivotal role in the design and development of the RudraM-I. Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Nasik), Quality Assurance agencies (MSQAA and CEMILAC), and the Indian Air Force all actively participated in the mission.
RudraM-I is designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions. This air-to-ground weapon system, launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, strengthens India’s aerial defense capabilities by effectively neutralizing enemy radars and communication networks.