Anti Radiation Missile - Rudram Missile

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : May 13, 2022, 14:00

India's first new-generation Anti Radiation Missile (RUDRAM) grabbed headlines when it was successfully tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet on a radiation target at Wheeler Island off Odisha's coast.

The Rudram Missile is an Anti-Radiation Missile capable of performing SEAD (Suppression Of Enemy Air Defence) operations. These missiles have the capability to detect and target enemy radars, jammers, and communication radios and destroy them to block communication among enemy military units.

What is an Anti-Radiation Missile?

Radar or Radio Detection and Ranging was an important invention of the 20th century. Ever since their inception, radars have been used extensively by military institutions for communicating with units, tracking enemy positions, and identifying non-enemy planes, boats, weapons, submarines, etc. Anti Radiation Missiles were developed to destroy the radar capacity of enemy military wings.

An Anti Radiation Missile can seamlessly destroy radar targets without coming in the vicinity of the enemy's air defence system's ground elements, such as barrel artillery and rockets.

Anti Radiation Missile Types

Anti Radiation Missiles can be of four types -

  • Air-to-Surface - Some examples are DRDO Anti Radiation Missile, AGM-78 Standard ARM, AGM-122 Sidearm, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-45 Shrike, and MAR-1.
  • Surface-to-Surface - Some examples are P-700 Granit, MM40 Exocet, P-500 Bazalt, Automat, and B611MR.
  • Surface-to-Air - Some examples are the S-75, FT-2000 system, etc.
  • Air-to-Air - Some examples are Vympel R-27EP, BRAZO, etc.

What is the Rudram Missile?

The Rudram Missile, also known as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Anti Radiation Missile, is the country's first indigenous Anti Radiation Missile for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The missile has been integrated into the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet that serves as its launch platform. The Rudram Missile's navigation system is INS-GPS with a Passive Homing Head for final attacks. During the test, the missile accurately hit its radiation target.

The Passive Homing Head of the Rudram Missile can identify, segregate, and engage targets according to the programmed band of frequencies. The Indian Air Force can use the missile to suppress enemy air defence systems and neutralise enemy radars, neutralising RF targets and communication sites from a wide stance.

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Anti Radiation Missile - Development of the Rudram Missile

The meaning of Rudram is 'remover of sorrows.' The project was previously known as the New Generation Anti Radiation Missile (ARM) or DRDO Anti Radiation Missile (ARM). It has been indigenously developed by the DRDO and jointly produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Although the Rudram Missile is currently integrated with SU-30 MKIs, efforts are on to integrate it with other jet aircraft as well.

Anti Radiation Missile - Rudram Missile Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Rudram Missile -

  • Mass - 600 kg or 1,300 lb
  • Length - 5.5 m or 18 ft
  • Warhead - Pre-fragmented warhead
  • Warhead weight - 60 kg or 130 lb
  • Detonation mechanism - Optical proximity fuze
  • Engine Dual - pulsed rocket motor
  • Propellant - Solid fuel
  • Operational range - 250 km (160 mi)
  • Flight altitude - 15 km to 500 m
  • Maximum speed - Mach 2
  • Guidance System - Mid-course: Inertial navigation system augmented by GPS/NavIC satellite guidance with passive homing on the emitter. Terminal: Millimeter-wave active radar homing
  • Accuracy - 5 m
  • Launch Platform - Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Dassault Mirage 2000, HAL Tejas Mk.1/1A, HAL Tejas Mk.2/MWF, SEPECAT Jaguar, MiG-29UPG

Anti Radiation Missiles, such as the Rudram, increase a country's capability to disrupt an enemy country's radars. By including the Rudram Missile into its fleet, India has entered the league of countries like the United States, China, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and the United Kingdom.

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FAQs on Anti Radiation Missile

Q1) What is an Anti-Radiation Missile like Rudram?

An Anti Radiation Missile, such as the Rudram Missile, has the capability to detect and target enemy radars, jammers, and communication radios and destroy them to block communication among enemy military units.

Q2) What is the name of the DRDO Anti Radiation Missile?

The Rudram Missile, also known as the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) Anti Radiation Missile, is the country's first indigenous Anti Radiation Missile for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Q3) What is the capability of the DRDO Anti Radiation Missile?

The Indian Air Force can use the DRDO Anti Radiation Missile named Rudram to suppress enemy air defence systems and neutralise enemy radars, neutralising RF targets and communication sites from a wide stance.

Q4) What was the Rudram Missile previously known as?

The Rudram Missile was previously known as the New Generation Anti Radiation Missile (ARM) or DRDO Anti Radiation Missile (ARM).