DRDO Streamlines Development of 'RudraM IV' 1000+ km Range Subsonic Cruise Missile for Su-30MKI Aircraft

India is significantly bolstering its air-to-surface strike capabilities with the development of a new long-range cruise missile, likely to be designated 'RudraM IV'. This advanced weapon, with a projected range exceeding 1000 kilometers, is being designed specifically for integration with the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) greenlit the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for this indigenous Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSOW) back in March 2023, marking a crucial step towards self-reliance in advanced weapon systems.

While initially envisioned as a standalone missile, recent reports indicate that the LRSOW will join the existing RudraM family of air-to-surface missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The RudraM series, which includes the RudraM-I, RudraM-II & IIA, and the upcoming RudraM-III, are anti-radiation missiles designed to neutralize enemy radar and air defense systems.

The RudraM-III, with its 550-kilometer range, already provides the IAF with considerable reach. However, the RudraM-IV promises to significantly extend this capability, allowing the Su-30MKI to engage high-value targets deep within enemy territory.

This development underscores India's growing expertise in missile technology. By incorporating the LRSOW into the RudraM family, DRDO can streamline the development process, capitalizing on existing infrastructure and expertise. This approach not only accelerates the missile's induction but also ensures cost-effectiveness.

The RudraM-IV is expected to be a subsonic cruise missile, offering increased survivability and precision strike capabilities. With its extended range, the missile will allow the IAF to engage critical enemy infrastructure, command centers, and other strategic targets from a safe distance, minimizing the risk to its own aircraft.

This development comes at a time when India is actively modernizing its armed forces and focusing on indigenous defence production. The RudraM-IV represents a significant leap forward in this endeavor, demonstrating India's commitment to developing cutting-edge military technology and reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers.

 

[Akshat]

Nirbhay using Saturn engine is deployed unlimited numbers since Galwan incident. Based on Nirbhay and using indigenous engine, trials for even submarine launched missiles were successfully conducted. Action on Ship and land attack versions will come in the public domain too.

Mere ko lagata tha ki tu padha likha hai. Jhuth bolane ke aadat ya fir jaroorat hai. I need to revise my opinion regarding your knowledge base too.

It seems you are in the habit of lying. Unlimited number of Nirbhay? Funny. It was only snapped at the border with no clarity of purpose. But forget unlimited numbers, Nirbhay was never given any mass production orders at all.

As for submarine launched versions and all, all are based on ITCM and none has cleared user trials. So the failure of DRDO is clear as daylight. But socialists like you have a compulsion of defending DRDO. I have no need to revise my opinion on you though.

 

[Akshat]

Cruise missile can evade air defence for long as they fly low , Earlier Russian attacks were every successful using Kalibr cruise missile, But later on in the war when the path became predictable along with NATO air defence system , these became easier to intercept.
long range Cruise missile is big missing piece in indian arms

Actually I don’t think they even need long range missiles for starters. Most of the targets in Pakistan are within 200 km. Most in Pak are within 400 km. Bigger range is great, but starting with smaller ranges is the need of the hour. But DRDO can’t seem to get anything done.

 

[Akshat]

It’s under LSP. So essentially a procedural matter. Development is completed.

LSP is usually for operational user trials. And as far as public knowledge is concerned, even those haven’t been placed. So development is not at all complete and it might be thrown out entirely or can be delayed by decades. No certainty at all as of now.

 

[Akshat]

Thank God it’s not French. Mirage upgrade is still pending after paying $2.5B about a decade back.

At least they started operationalizing it. Remember Mk2 which was to be put under serial production in 2016, as per their tender documents from 2014?

 

[Akshat]

May be but I think I saw Rudram -1 in Adani promotion... As well as the production line of it..

Yes they are the production partners. But it has not cleared user trials yet.

 

[Ajath Shri]

Supersonic missiles generally have a shorter range. You can give them a longer range, but that then either results in a very large missile that cannot be air-launched, or pushes costs up to a point where the whole thing isn't as feasible.

Inducting Long range loitering munitions or HALEs in large quantities should be the priority. Using subsonic missiles will be effective only if the adversaries AD systems are rendered useless.