The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are increasingly optimistic that the indigenous Rudram-II air-to-surface missile will receive its official production clearance by 2026.
This confidence stems from the successful conclusion of recent developmental trials, paving the way for the missile to enter mass manufacturing. Currently, the weapon is undergoing extensive testing primarily from the Su-30MKI fighter jet.
Once the formal production nod is granted, the system is projected to enter series production within a timeframe of 18 to 24 months, marking a significant milestone in India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Sources familiar with the programme confirm that the validation trials for Rudram-II are proceeding in strict alignment with the phased roadmap established by the IAF and DRDO.
A critical achievement was recorded in May 2024, when the missile was flight-tested in a near-production configuration off the coast of Odisha.
This pivotal test successfully validated the missile's solid-propulsion system and sophisticated control and guidance algorithms, proving the design's maturity.
The missile demonstrated its ability to reach hypersonic speeds, reportedly clocking up to Mach 5.5, ensuring it can strike time-sensitive targets with minimal reaction time for the adversary.
To date, at least three successful test firings have been conducted, rigorously evaluating the missile across various performance parameters and mission profiles.
The testing schedule for 2026 is robust, with planned trials designed to push the missile's operational envelope further. These upcoming tests will focus heavily on fine-tuning the seeker's performance and completing the user-assisted evaluations that are mandatory for final production clearance.
Additionally, integration trials are expected to expand to other platforms, including the Mirage 2000, in the near future.
The Rudram-II offers a substantial leap in capability over its predecessor, the Rudram-I, boasting an extended operational range of approximately 300 kilometres.
A standout feature of this new variant is its advanced dual-seeker system, which combines a passive anti-radiation head with an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker.
This multi-mode architecture allows the missile to carry a 200 kg payload and effectively prosecute targets even in complex electronic warfare scenarios.
Crucially, the IIR seeker ensures that the missile can lock onto and destroy enemy radar stations even if they attempt to survive by switching off their emitters—a standard counter-tactic known as "blinking."
Designed for high versatility, the Rudram-II is being developed as a universal weapon for the IAF's combat fleet.
While the Su-30MKI serves as the primary testbed, the missile is also being integrated with the Mirage 2000, with future plans to equip the Rafale and the upcoming Tejas MkII.
This cross-platform compatibility is intended to phase out aging Russian-origin Kh-31 missiles, providing the IAF with a standardised, potent, long-range solution for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD).
Upon its induction, the Rudram-II will become a cornerstone of the IAF's offensive strategy, particularly for deep strike and counter-air missions.
Its ability to neutralise high-value assets—such as communication bunkers, radar installations, and command centres—from well within friendly airspace provides a vital stand-off advantage.
As developmental trials near their conclusion and production schedules firm up, the Rudram-II is poised to emerge as one of the most critical indigenous air-launched assets for the IAF in the latter half of this decade.
