Rudram 2 Hypersonic Missile ,India’s Formidable ‘Super Killer’ Air-to-Surface Anti-Radiation Missile
Defense News ,India :- Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has officially confirmed the commencement of flight trials for the Rudram-II Air-to-Surface (A2S) missile initiated last year. This formidable missile, boasting an impressive range of 300 kilometers, represents a state-of-the-art addition to India’s military arsenal, showcasing advancements in defense technology and strategic capabilities.
A recent promotional video by the Indian Air Force (IAF) prominently features developmental tests of the Rudram-II from the Su-30MKI, highlighting its crucial role in reinforcing the nation’s air superiority.
The Rudram-II's versatility is a key highlight, offering two distinct variants tailored to specific operational needs. The first variant, functioning as an Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM), is equipped with a PHH-IIR Seeker designed for precise neutralization of radar installations.
This capability significantly enhances the IAF’s ability to suppress enemy air defenses, establishing aerial dominance in contested airspace. Simultaneously, the second variant serves as a potent Ground Attack missile, featuring an IIR Seeker optimized for targeting airstrips, bunkers, and aircraft hangars. This dual functionality enhances the IAF’s strategic capabilities, providing flexibility in mission planning and execution.
The combat prowess of the Rudram-II is further emphasized by its impressive warhead capacity, capable of carrying a 200-kilogram payload. This payload capacity allows for the deployment of various munitions, including high-explosive ordnance and specialized warheads tailored to specific mission objectives.
With extraordinary speed capabilities reaching Mach 5.5, the Rudram-II ensures swift and decisive action on the battlefield, enabling a rapid response to emerging threats and adversaries.
Crucially, the missile is designed for precise strikes with minimal collateral damage, even at high speeds and altitudes. Launched from altitudes ranging from 3 to 15 kilometers, the Rudram-II is engineered to impact targets at speeds slower than Mach 1, ensuring pinpoint accuracy and minimizing the risk of unintended harm to civilian populations and infrastructure. This precision-guided capability reflects India’s commitment to the responsible and ethical use of military force, prioritizing the minimization of civilian casualties in conflict zones.
In essence, the Rudram-II stands as a testament to India’s remarkable progress in defense technology, providing the nation with a sophisticated and adaptable missile system that enhances its military capabilities and strategic flexibility.
Rudram Series Missile Specifications :-
| Feature | Rudram-1 | Rudram-2 Anti Radiation | Rudram-2 Ground Attack | Rudram-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass (kg) | 600 | NaN | NaN | NaN |
| Length (m) | 5.5 | NaN | NaN | NaN |
| Warhead | Pre-fragmented | Pre-fragmented | Penetration-cum-Blast | None |
| Warhead weight (kg) | 55 | 155 | 200 | NaN |
| Detonation mechanism | Optical proximity fuze | None | None | None |
| Engine | Dual-pulsed rocket motor | None | None | None |
| Propellant | Solid fuel | None | None | None |
| Operational range (km) | 150 | 300 | 300 | 550 |
| Flight altitude (km) | 1 - 15 | 3 - 15 | 3 - 15 | NaN |
| Maximum speed (Mach) | 2 | 5.5 | 5.5 | NaN |
| Guidance system (Mid-course) | INS + Passive radar homing | INS + SatNav + Passive radar homing | INS + SatNav | None |
| Guidance system (Terminal) | MMW Active radar homing | IIR homing | IIR homing | None |
| Accuracy (CEP) | 5 | NaN | NaN | NaN |
| Launch platform | MiG-29UPG, Dassault Mirage 2000SEPECAT Jaguar, Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk.1/1A | Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mirage 2000 | None | None |
