RUDRAM-2

NEWS: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenous Rudram-2 Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su30MKI fighter aircraft.

CONTEXT

  • The missile can strike targets at a range of up to 300 km
  • Designed to destroy enemy air defence systems, radars, communication centres, and electronic surveillance networks.
  • The successful test marks a significant advancement in India's capability to conduct Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) operations and strengthens indigenous defence technology under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Rudram-2

  • Indigenous Air-to-Surface AntiRadiation Missile (ARM) developed by DRDO.
  • Launched from fighter aircraft and is specifically designed to detect and destroy enemy radar emissions and electronic systems.
  • The missile has a strike range of approximately 300 km.
  • It is capable of attacking both fixed and mobile enemy air defence assets.

What is an Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM)?

  • Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM)à Designed to detect and track electromagnetic signals emitted by enemy radars and electronic systems.
  • Instead of emitting its own signals, it follows the signals generated by enemy radar installations.
  • Once the source of the radiation is identified, the missile accurately strikes and destroys it.
  • Among the most effective weapons for neutralizing enemy air defence networks.

Major Missions of Rudram-2

Ground Attack Role

  • Rudram-2 can precisely strike enemy bunkers, military bases, airstrips, underground aircraft shelters, and strategic installations.
  • Enhances India's ability to conduct deep precision strikes against critical military infrastructure.

Anti-Radiation Role

  • Rudram-2 targets enemy radar stations, electronic surveillance centres, communication systems, and jamming facilities.
  • Optimized to suppress and destroy air defence networks.

SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences)

  • SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) à Military operations aimed at neutralizing enemy air defence systems before or during air strikes.
  • Objectiveà To destroy or disable enemy radars, missile systems, and surveillance networks.
  • SEAD removes the enemy's "eyes and ears" by disabling its ability to detect incoming attacks.

Role of INS and SATNAV

  • Rudram-2 uses an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Satellite Navigation (SATNAV).
  • These systems allow the missile to remember the last known location of the radar.
  • Even if the radar is switched off moments before impact, the missile can continue towards the recorded position.
  • Simply shutting down the radar does not guarantee protection from Rudram-2.

Strategic Significance

  • Rudram-2 enhances India's capability to conduct long-range precision strikes.
  • Contributes to deterrence against technologically advanced adversaries.
  • Increases operational flexibility for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • Particularly important in modern network-centric warfare where radar and electronic systems play a critical role
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