IAF to Boost Anti-Radar Arsenal with 200 Rudram-I Anti-Radiation Missiles

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly enhance its offensive capabilities through the proposed acquisition of nearly 200 Rudram-I missiles. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Rudram-I is a new generation anti-radiation missile (NGARM) designed to neutralize enemy air defence systems.

This move represents a major step in strengthening India's air superiority and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. The Rudram-I, also known as the New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile, is specifically engineered to target and disable enemy radar and communication infrastructure, effectively blinding their air defenses.


Equipped with a sophisticated dual-seeker configuration, the Rudram-I employs both passive homing head seekers and millimeter wave (MMW) seekers. This combination allows the missile to effectively engage both active and passive radar systems, enhancing its operational flexibility. By targeting enemy radar emissions, the missile can home in on and neutralize a wide range of air defence assets, including surveillance radars, tracking systems, and communication nodes.

First test-fired in 2019, the Rudram-I is slated to replace the IAF's existing arsenal of Kh-31 and Martel anti-radiation missiles. This transition not only modernizes the IAF's capabilities but also bolsters India's self-reliance in defence technology.

Initial production plans involved collaboration between state-owned enterprises Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). However, recent reports suggest that Adani Defence, a private sector player, may take the lead in mass production.

The exact production timeline and details regarding further user trials have not been publicly disclosed.

 

[Ajath Shri]

Hope RUDRAM MK 2 will also find its way to IAF inventory at the earliest. Very critical for SEAD operations. Any air to surface missile with a range exceeding 300 KM plus is a big big advantage for Indian airforce. And RUDRAM missile speed is quite high making this missile quite difficult for interception.

 

[Anant]

Hope RUDRAM MK 2 will also find its way to IAF inventory at the earliest. Very critical for SEAD operations. Any air to surface missile with a range exceeding 300 KM plus is a big big advantage for Indian airforce. And RUDRAM missile speed is quite high making this missile quite difficult for interception.

Agreed, but let them test the Rudram-II first. The IAF knows more about this than you or I do, so let them keep going as they are.

 

[NSR]

Rudram I Air to Ground Anti-Radiation missile with about 125 lbs payload has a range of 150 kms.
It will be a formidable missile and can destroy most of the terroristan/beggeristan forward radars.

And then Rudram II with 300 kms range and Rudaram II with 550 kms will follow and will make our two enemies take note and behave.
Rudram III will take years to develop.

Way to go!!!

 

[Akhil]

Why giving manufacturing to Adani?
Bharat Dynamics limited is quite proven in defense manufacturing. Dont see a reason to switch from BDL to Adani.

 

[Gajanan Rao]

We have to focus on totally a 100% Indian made components arsenal. Which is brutal when it leaves the station

 

[R Rao]

India needs to hasten up - We ought to have inducted by now Rudram3/ Astra3/Brahmos2/Agni6/K6/Surya/ Thermo N* Missiles

 

[Sandeep]

It's good that we are now inducting the missile and upgrading the current old missiles which uses very old technology developed decades ago. Whoever makes the missiles should do it as quickly as possible and at the lowest price which the private sector would be best at.

We now need to focus on developing the full set of Astra IR, MK2, MK3 and Rudram MK2 and MK3 for anti radiation but also use a normal variant to hit any target as well. That is key as we need to increase the range of our air to surface missiles so we can hit targets across the border.

 

[Akshat]

Why giving manufacturing to Adani?
Bharat Dynamics limited is quite proven in defense manufacturing. Dont see a reason to switch from BDL to Adani.

Why not give it to Adani? Are they not an Indian firm?

 

[Akshat]

India needs to hasten up - We ought to have inducted by now Rudram3/ Astra3/Brahmos2/Agni6/K6/Surya/ Thermo N* Missiles

Most of them are not even developed as of now

 

[GMR]

Why giving manufacturing to Adani?
Bharat Dynamics limited is quite proven in defense manufacturing. Dont see a reason to switch from BDL to Adani.

Any particular reason of not giving to a private firm with investments in modern machinery, facility & enough capacity?

 

[bonito]

Why giving manufacturing to Adani?
Bharat Dynamics limited is quite proven in defense manufacturing. Dont see a reason to switch from BDL to Adani.

Yes, unless it is properly win after tender process.

 

[The Presence]

Rudram-2 and 3 must be given RAM coating because unlike Rudram-1, they are costly missiles.

 

[Sridhar]

Why giving manufacturing to Adani?
Bharat Dynamics limited is quite proven in defense manufacturing. Dont see a reason to switch from BDL to Adani.

Majority or every single weapons used by western country's armed forces are manufactured by Pvt firms . You can count your fingers on instance where these weapons failed or they was an inordinate delay in rolling out .

 

[Deepak Hegde]

It's interesting to see that in-spite of the noise for even Rudram I development, it has still not completed user trails. At least the article claims that the status in unknown. I seriously wonder if there is any professional project management including sign-off for completion of development phase, definition of types of user trials with timelines, sign off for completion of same followed by actual induction.
Most times we hear that a particular project is ready after development, with huge noise for the same without any actual details till induction!

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Why giving manufacturing to Adani?
Bharat Dynamics limited is quite proven in defense manufacturing. Dont see a reason to switch from BDL to Adani.

BDL already has more than enough in its hands than they can deliver. If a private Indian firm which has proven track record to deliver can do so professionally and within timelines, why not give it to them? Is it not in the nation's interest?