DRDO Successfully Tests RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile from Su-30 MKI – Major Boost to Indigenous Defence
DRDO Achieves Major Milestone with Successful RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile Flight Tests
In a significant boost to India’s self-reliant defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted flight tests of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet on Tuesday.
The tests were performed under extreme release conditions and along a critical trajectory, fully validating the performance of all subsystems of this advanced RudraM-II air-to-surface missile. According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile guided itself autonomously to the predefined target and struck it with pinpoint accuracy. All trial objectives were met, with flight data confirmed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha.
The RudraM-II air-to-surface missile is an indigenously developed, solid-propellant weapon designed specifically for air-to-surface missions. It is capable of neutralising a wide spectrum of enemy assets, including radar installations, communication centres, and other high-value targets. The missile incorporates multiple cutting-edge indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories.
Development and Collaboration
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, served as the nodal laboratory for the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile project. It collaborated closely with other premier DRDO facilities, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and ITR.
Several Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), along with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (RCMA), Missile System Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA), and other industry partners played crucial roles in the programme’s success.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, and all stakeholders, stating that the successful tests highlight the growing maturity of indigenous defence technologies and contribute significantly to Aatmanirbharta in advanced weapon systems.
Previous Successful Trials
This latest achievement builds on earlier progress. In May 2024, DRDO had successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI off the Odisha coast, validating its propulsion system and guidance algorithms. Prior to that, the RudraM-I variant was successfully tested in May 2024 at Chandan Range, Rajasthan, demonstrating exceptional accuracy with just a five-metre miss distance.
The RudraM series, including the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, is primarily designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) missions, enhancing the IAF’s ability to conduct deep strikes with precision and reliability.
This successful test of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile marks another proud milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in indigenous missile technology. It strengthens national security while reducing dependence on foreign defence platforms.
