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.
| RudraM -I:
· It was a new generation anti-radiation missile (ARMs) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). · The RudraM-I was test-fired four years ago by the Indian Air Force at the integrated test range in Odisha’s Balasore. · The RudraM-I has a 100-to-150-kilometre range, can hit speeds of up to Mach 2 – twice the speed of sound, and has a launch altitude range of 1 to 15 kilometres. |
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.
