India is proving to be a strong player with its homegrown Rudram series of missiles. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Rudram missiles are a huge step forward for India’s air-to-surface weapons. What is an Anti-Radiation Missile?
(Representative Image, source: X)
In the world of modern warfare, having the best technology gives a country a major advantage. India is proving to be a strong player with its homegrown Rudram series of missiles. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Rudram missiles are a huge step forward for India’s air-to-surface weapons. The name “Rudram,” which means “Roaring” in Sanskrit, is a fitting name for these powerful weapons that can destroy enemy defenses. The most advanced of these is the Rudram-IV, a hypersonic missile that will change how India conducts long-range attacks and place it among the few nations with this incredible technology.
What is an Anti-Radiation Missile?
Anti-radiation missile (ARM) is a smart weapon designed to hunt and destroy enemy systems that use radio waves, like radars and communication towers. Think of it as a missile that “sees” radio signals. When an enemy turns on their radar to find incoming aircraft, the ARM detects that signal and follows it directly back to the source, destroying the radar. By taking out these “eyes and ears” of the enemy, these missiles clear a safe path for friendly fighter jets to carry out their missions without being detected or shot down. This is called Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD).
The Rudram project started because India needed its own anti-radiation missiles to take out enemy air defense systems. Before, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had to buy these missiles from other countries, which was expensive and came with limitations. The Rudram series was created to solve this problem and show that India is a leader in advanced missile technology. The main goal is to destroy enemy radars so that Indian planes can fly safely in hostile areas.
The Rudram Family
Rudram-I
The first missile in the family, Rudram-I, was the foundation. It’s a supersonic weapon, meaning it flies faster than the speed of sound (over Mach 2 / 2,470 Km/hr), and has a range of 100-250 kilometers. It weighs about 600 kg and is 5.5 meters long. It’s powered by a special solid rocket motor that gives it two bursts of speed. The Rudram-I has a smart sensor that can be locked onto a target either before or after launch, giving pilots more flexibility. Its “passive homing head” can pick up enemy radio signals from as far as 100 kilometers away, making it very good at finding and destroying radar stations.
Rudram-II
Rudram-II is a major upgrade, flying at hypersonic speeds (over Mach 5.5 / over 6792 Km/hr ) with a longer range of 300-350 kilometers. This missile can do two jobs: it can act as an anti-radiation missile to hunt radars, or it can be used for precise strikes against ground targets. The Rudram-II uses a combination of GPS, an internal navigation system, and a heat-seeking camera to hit its targets with amazing accuracy, even if the enemy is trying to jam its signals. It was successfully tested from a Su-30 MKI jet in May 2024 and will soon join the IAF.
Rudram-III
Rudram-III is the powerhouse of the group, designed for very long-range attacks. It has a range of 550-600 kilometers and carries a heavy 200 kg warhead that can punch through hardened targets. This hypersonic missile flies at over Mach 5 /6175 Km/hr and is extremely agile thanks to 16 control fins. It flies in a semi-ballistic path, like a very high arc, which makes it nearly impossible for enemy defenses to shoot down. Like its sibling, it can be used against both radars and fortified ground targets. A single Su-30 MKI fighter jet can carry four Rudram-III missiles, turning it into a fearsome long-range strike aircraft.
Rudram-IV
The Game-Changer: At the top is the Rudram-IV, India’s most advanced hypersonic weapon. This revolutionary missile can fly at speeds over Mach 5 / 6175 Km/ hr and hit targets 1,000-1,500 kilometers away. It uses a hybrid engine: a solid rocket booster gives it the initial push, and then a special scramjet or ramjet engine takes over to maintain hypersonic speed for the rest of the journey. The Rudram-IV is designed to be lightweight so it can be carried by many of the IAF’s fighter jets, including the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, and the new Rafale jets.
The Rudram-IV is more than just a powerful weapon; it’s a game-changer for India’s security. Because of its incredible speed and high-altitude flight path, it can get past even the best air defense systems. This allows India to strike targets deep inside enemy territory while launching the missile from the safety of its own airspace. This changes the military balance in South Asia, giving India a powerful tool to discourage conflict and act decisively if needed.
Launch Platforms and Manufacturing
The main aircraft for launching Rudram missiles is the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, which can carry heavy loads over long distances. India is also working to put these missiles on its own homemade fighter, the Tejas Mk1A, and the upgraded Jaguar jets. Using different planes gives the IAF more options and flexibility in a conflict.
The Rudram program is a great example of the “Make in India” initiative. Over 85% of the parts for these missiles are made in India. Government-owned companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited and private companies like Adani Defence & Aerospace are working together to build them. This partnership makes India self-reliant and creates a strong industrial base for future defense projects.
A New Era for India
The development of the Rudram-IV places India in a small, elite club of nations with working hypersonic weapons. This technology allows India to project its power over long distances without risking its pilots and planes. By being able to take out enemy air defenses from a safe distance, India can quickly gain control of the skies in any future conflict.
Looking ahead, the knowledge gained from the Rudram-IV project will help India develop even more advanced hypersonic weapons. The missile is expected to begin trials by 2026-2027 and be fully ready for service by 2028-2030. The Rudram-IV is set to become a key part of India’s defense, ensuring the country remains at the cutting edge of military technology for years to come.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own and do not reflect those of DNA)
