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RudraM-II Missile — India's Latest Anti-Radiation Weapon (UPSC-RAS) (Defence Technology)

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Developed by. -  DRDO (lead lab: Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad)

Parameter

Details

Type

Air-to-Surface Anti-Radiation Missile

Speed

Mach 5.5 (hypersonic)

Range

300–350 km

Warhead

200 kg

Launch Altitude

3 km to 15 km

Platforms & Strategic Significance

  • The missile is being developed for the IAF's fleet of Su-30MKI and Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft.
  • It is slated to gradually replace the ageing Russian-origin Kh-31 anti-radiation missiles currently in service.

Comparison with Rudram 1

Feature

RudraM-1

RudraM-II

Speed

Mach 2

    Mach 5.5

Range

250 km

  300–350 km

Category

 Supersonic

  Hypersonic

Anti-Radiation Missile -

  • A missile that homes in on electromagnetic radiation emitted by enemy radar systems. It detects, tracks, and destroys radar antennas, air-defence networks, and communication infrastructure — allowing friendly aircraft to operate safely in hostile airspace.

Strategic Significance

  1. Gives IAF long-range SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) capability indigenously — previously dependent on foreign systems.
  2. Replaces ageing Russian Kh-31 missiles — reduces import dependency.
  3. Can destroy radar stations, command & control centres, SAM sites from stand-off distances.
  4. At Mach 5.5, it is very difficult to intercept — high tactical advantage.
  5. Allows strike aircraft to degrade enemy air-defence networks before entering contested airspace.

Source:- DD News