RudraM-II air-to-surface missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO from Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha coast

SOURCE: AFI

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha at around 1130 hours on May 29, 2024. The flight-test met all the trial objectives, validating the propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm. The performance of the missile has been validated from the flight data captured by range tracking instruments like electro-optical systems, radar and telemetry stations deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur at various locations, including the on-board ship.

RudraM-II is an indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system meant for Air-to-Surface role to neutralise many types of enemy assets. A number of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories have been incorporated in the missile system.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF and industry on the successful test-flight of RudraM-II. The successful test has consolidated the role of the RudraM-II system as a force multiplier to the Armed Forces, he said.

One of the standout features of the Rudram-II is its versatility, offering two distinct variants tailored to address specific operational requirements. The first variant serves as an anti-radiation missile (ARM), equipped with a PHH-IIR Seeker engineered to neutralize radar installations with unparalleled accuracy. This capability significantly enhances the IAF’s ability to suppress enemy air defenses and establish aerial dominance in contested airspace. Meanwhile, the second variant of the Rudram-II functions as a formidable Ground Attack missile, featuring an IIR Seeker optimized for targeting airstrips, bunkers, and aircraft hangars. This dual functionality further bolsters the IAF’s strategic capabilities and ensures flexibility in mission planning and execution.