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.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Even rudram-1 has not been inducted yet. First finish that, place orders and produce them. Then talk about Rudram-4.

 

[Bard of Anarchy]

Even rudram-1 has not been inducted yet. First finish that, place orders and produce them. Then talk about Rudram-4.

It isn't inducted yet? Please clarify..

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It isn't inducted yet? Please clarify..

User trials are remaining for rudram. And production orders have not been placed. Look at astra mk1 for comparison. Orders have been placed, deliveries have been done, and IAF has inducted them

 

[Bard of Anarchy]

User trials are remaining for rudram. And production orders have not been placed. Look at astra mk1 for comparison. Orders have been placed, deliveries have been done, and IAF has inducted them

Why's it taking so long 😮‍💨

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Even rudram-1 has not been inducted yet. First finish that, place orders and produce them. Then talk about Rudram-4.

Rudram -1 inducted.. Adani making it

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

This missile should not be subsonic. These subsonic missile can be easily shot down by air defence systems as we see in Ukraine war. Ukraine are able to shot down most of the subsonic russian missiles and they are not successful in intercepting supersonic cruise missile like brahmos.

 

[Sridhar]

Its a great idea , but sub sonic missiles can be easily shot down by modern day SAMs. And its quite expensive to launch these missiles in salvos.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Even rudram-1 has not been inducted yet. First finish that, place orders and produce them. Then talk about Rudram-4.

More importantly, there is already Nirbay's (now LR-LACM) air launched variant (LR-ALCM) under development with similar range! Why 2 missiles of the same caregory?

 

[Sandeep]

It’s good news that we are developing our own missiles but we need to make sure that they are manufactured 100% indigenously and with indigenous content.

Also India needs to develop two varieties of the Rudram anti radiation series of missiles. We need a supersonic/hypersonic version to give it enough speed to power through heavily defended regions with SAM and a subsonic version for lightly defended regions or regions not covered by any SAM but just critical radar systems alone. Developing subsonic missiles are much cheaper than supersonic variants and it’s better to have a variety from a financial perspective.

As for developing a standard Rudram air to surface missile that can hit any target then we should take the same approach as we need both subsonic and hypersonic missiles.

 

[Anant]

This missile should not be subsonic. These subsonic missile can be easily shot down by air defence systems as we see in Ukraine war. Ukraine are able to shot down most of the subsonic russian missiles and they are not successful in intercepting supersonic cruise missile like brahmos.

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.

 

[Akshat]

More importantly, there is already Nirbay's (now LR-LACM) air launched variant (LR-ALCM) under development with similar range! Why 2 missiles of the same caregory?

Nirbhay program was closed in 2023 as it failed entirely. The current retirement guarantee plan of the Nirbhay team is ITCM. LRLACM and all others are variants of ITCM and will keep going for a few more decades till these scientists retire and the next team starts a new program after they declare ITCM based programs a ‘success’ without any production orders.

 

[Akshat]

Why's it taking so long 😮‍💨

It’s a DRDO product

 

[Akshat]

Rudram -1 inducted.. Adani making it

I don’t think it was inducted out orders placed. IAF has moved a proposal and AoN was given. But no firm contract was signed.

 

[Akshat]

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.

That’s true for cruise missiles. But Rudram family is of ballistic missiles. This shows that DRDO has again failed to make a cruise missile and the missile will be converted to a ballistic missile only. Practically it’s a longer ranged guided Pinaka.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

I don’t think it was inducted out orders placed. IAF has moved a proposal and AoN was given. But no firm contract was signed.

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