DRDO and IAF Successfully Flight-Test RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile
Summary
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 MK-I platform off the coast of Odisha.
●RudraM-II is an indigenously developed, solid-propelled air-launched missile system designed for air-to-surface operations to neutralize various enemy assets.
●The test validated the propulsion system, control, and guidance algorithms.
●This successful trial marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance in advanced defence technologies and enhances the IAF's strike capabilities.
Defence Technology
This sub-topic has appeared in 7 UPSC Prelims questions.
The RudraM-II is a next-generation, indigenously developed anti-radiation and ground-attack missile designed to enhance the Indian Air Force's Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) capabilities.
●Developed by DRDO, it is a solid-propelled system integrated with the Su-30 MKI fighter jets.
●The missile incorporates advanced navigation and guidance systems, including satellite and inertial navigation, alongside an active radar seeker for terminal guidance.
●This allows it to accurately target enemy radar installations, communication nodes, and bunkers even if the enemy shuts down their radar emissions.
●The successful test underscores India's growing self-reliance in complex missile technologies, reducing dependence on foreign imports for critical precision-strike weapons.
The RudraM-II significantly boosts IAF's SEAD capabilities, marking a crucial step in indigenous advanced missile development.
Factual Pointers
Practice · 1 question
Consider the following statements regarding the RudraM-II missile:
1. It is an air-to-air missile developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.
2. It is designed primarily for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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