Why is it in the news?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight tested indigenously developed Anti Radiation Missile (RudraM-2).

More about the news:

• Indigenous RudraM-II missile recently underwent a successful flight test, launched from a Su-30 MKI aircraft off the coast of Odisha.
• The test effectively achieved all designated trial objectives, confirming the efficacy of its propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm.
• This significant milestone underscores the indigenous prowess of India’s defence research establishment and reinforces the strategic capabilities of the RudraM-II missile system.

About RudraM-II:

• It is an indigenous air-to-surface anti-radiation missile, aptly named ‘remover of sorrows’, signifies a significant stride in India’s defence capabilities.
• With a range of 300-350 kilometres, speeds reaching Mach 5.5 (5.5 times sound of speed), and a payload capacity of 200 kilograms, it poses a formidable threat to various enemy assets.
• Expected to serve as a pivotal force multiplier, RudraM-II strengthens India’s air security and defence preparedness.
• The missile’s internal guidance system facilitates autonomous navigation towards the designated target post-launch.
• Its introduction marks a significant shift, replacing Russia’s Kh-31 missile in Sukhoi fighter jets, thus showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.
• This advancement underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence production and its determination to bolster national security.

About Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARMs):

• Aim: These are designed to detect, track and neutralise the adversary’s radar, communication assets and other radio frequency sources, which are generally part of their air defence systems.
• These can locate and target any radiation emitting source.
• Propulsion: ARMs typically use solid-fuel rocket propulsion to provide the speed and range needed to reach distant targets.
• These can play a key role in neutralising any jamming platforms of the enemy or take out radar stations thereby clearing a path for own fighters to carry out an offensive and also prevent own systems from being jammed.

Components:

• Inertial navigation system: A computerised mechanism that uses changes in the object’s own position — coupled with GPS, which is satellite-based.
• ‘Passive homing head’ for Guidance: A system that can detect, classify and engage targets (radio frequency sources in this case) over a wide band of frequencies as programmed.