Indigenous Rudram Missiles By DRDO To Boost India’s Strategic Air Power – Key Features

New Delhi: India is steadily progressing towards self-reliance in the defence sector after the success of Operation Sindoor. In a major boost to Indian defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Sameer V. Kamat, in an interview with India TV, confirmed that the country is developing Rudram missile variants.

Kamat said that the Rudram-1 missile will be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces in the next two years. “Our Rudram-1 missile will be inducted within the next two years. It is a perfect example of a completely self-reliant Indian system, and its induction will significantly boost the country’s strike capability,” the DRDO chief told India TV.

He also shared insights into the development of a full series of air-to-ground missiles: NGARM (New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile) – Rudram-2, Rudram-3, and Rudram-4.

New generation first indigenous Anti-Radiation Missile RUDRAM developed by @DRDO_India for Indian Air Force successfully flight tested today onto a radiation target located on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. pic.twitter.com/RQWJUFxdwP

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) October 9, 2020

“The range of these missiles will progressively increase. All of them are currently in various stages of development, and we expect their induction within the next three to four years,” Kamat told the media house.

About Rudram Missile Variants:

The Rudram missile is India’s first indigenous air-launched anti-radiation missile, developed by the DRDO. It is designed to suppress enemy air defence (SEAD) by targeting and destroying enemy radar installations, communication sites, and other radio-frequency emitting sources during combat.

Key Features of the Rudram Missile:

• Type: Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile
• Variants: Rudram-1 (tested); Rudram-2 and Rudram-3 under development
• Launch Platform: Su-30MKI fighter jet (primary platform; potential integration with Mirage-2000 and HAL Tejas in the future)
• Range: 100–200 km (depending on launch altitude and speed)
• Speed: Supersonic
• Guidance System:
  • Passive homing head (detects and homes in on radio-frequency emissions like radar)
  • INS-GPS navigation
  • Terminal seeker for accuracy
• Warhead: Pre-fragmented or directional high-explosive
• Mission Role: Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), electronic warfare support

Development & Testing:

• First tested in October 2020 from a Su-30MKI over the Bay of Bengal
• Successfully engaged radar targets, validating its seeker and navigation systems
• Follow-up tests are expected for extended ranges and newer seeker variants

Strategic Importance:

• Enhances India’s capability in electronic warfare
• Allows pre-emptive strikes on enemy radar and surveillance systems, giving the IAF air superiority
• Part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence production