SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru from February 10-14, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased a scaled model of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, drawing significant attention from international delegations.
A DRDO official, speaking at the event, revealed to idrw.org that several countries have expressed keen interest in the missile system, highlighting its potential as a game-changer in the global arms market. With a lightweight design, impressive speed, and versatile range, the RudraM-II is poised to attract international customers once cleared for production, reinforcing India’s growing stature as a defence exporter.
The RudraM-II, an indigenously developed air-to-surface missile, weighs just 1 ton—significantly lighter than many of its contemporaries—yet packs a formidable punch. With a range spanning 50 to 300 kilometres and a peak speed of Mach 5.5 in its terminal phase, the missile offers a blend of agility and precision that outclasses most subsonic cruise missiles. Launched from aircraft like the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI at speeds up to Mach 1, the RudraM-II is designed to neutralize a variety of ground targets, including enemy air defences, command centres, and infrastructure.
Tested successfully in May 2024 from a Su-30 MKI off Odisha’s coast, the missile demonstrated its ability to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy, guided by an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker and supported by inertial navigation and satellite systems. Its hypersonic terminal speed—reaching 6,790 km/h—makes it nearly impossible to intercept, while its 200-300 kg warhead ensures devastating impact. The DRDO official noted that its adaptability to “all fighter jets” due to its low weight broadens its appeal, making it a versatile addition to any air force.
For comparison, the Tomahawk weighs 1.6 tons and the air-launched Storm Shadow/SCALP (used by France and the UK) tips the scales at 1.3 tons, while both are subsonic with ranges of 1,000+ km and 250-560 km, respectively. The RudraM-II, at 1 ton, delivers a 50-300 km range at hypersonic speed, offering a nimbler, cost-effective alternative for nations prioritizing speed and integration flexibility over extreme distance. Its compatibility with widely used fighters like the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, or even Western platforms like the F-16 enhances its export potential.
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