Rudram-II Air-to-Ground Missile to Undergo Mirage-2000 Integration Trials in 2025, Tejas Mk2 Also Slated for Future

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), is gearing up for further trials of the Rudram-II air-to-ground missile in 2025. This next phase of testing will focus on integrating the missile with the Mirage-2000-5 fighter jet, expanding its compatibility beyond the Su-30MKI.

The Rudram-II, weighing 800 kilograms and carrying a 200-kilogram warhead, is a potent weapon designed to neutralize enemy radars and communication systems. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is keen to integrate this missile across its diverse fleet, enhancing its operational versatility and strike capabilities.

The integration process will involve captive and release flight trials scheduled for next year, followed by firing trials expected by the end of 2025, contingent on the success of preliminary tests. An IAF official highlighted the missile's versatile launch capabilities, allowing deployment from various altitudes and targeting enemy assets over 100 km away.

The IAF also plans to equip the Tejas Mk2 with the Rudram-II missile when the aircraft enters service, expected around 2030. This expanded compatibility across multiple fighter platforms will significantly enhance the IAF's ability to suppress enemy defences and command and control systems, giving it a decisive edge in combat scenarios.

Key Features of Rudram-II​

• Lock-On-Before/After-Launch Systems: These advanced systems provide flexibility in targeting, allowing the missile to adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions.
• Internal Guidance System: Once launched, the missile can autonomously navigate to its target, ensuring precision strikes.
• Extended Range: The missile's effective range of 50 km to 300 km makes it a formidable weapon in long-range engagements.

The Rudram-II program represents a significant step towards self-reliance in defence technology for India. Its integration with multiple fighter aircraft will significantly enhance the IAF's combat capabilities and strengthen its position as a dominant force in the region.

 

[sanket]

That's great news. But again, Mirage-2000 has been integrated with most of the ground-based target weapons, unlike the BVR Astra series or Meteor system & AESA radar integration. Rafale, too, lacks an anti-radiation missile in its weapon package. Next will be integration on Rafale fighter jets.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

I have a wild idea. But hear me out. Instead of spending 100+ billion dollars on fighter aircrafts etc. (Conventional military), why not focus on investing that money on long range missiles and drones.

Houthis are super poor, dont have air force but still arw able to send millions of israelis running to bunkers at night by launching long range missiles. Israel has 5th gen fighters, modern tanks, best tanks in the world, a formidable navy, they still cant stop the houthis.

3 things are needed today in military- long range missiles and drones, and SAM systems. Iran is doing this, but its missiles, drones and SAMs are not of good quality.

Instead of spending money on tanks, APC, fighters, AWACS, refueling aircraft, Carriers etc, imagine having millions of drones and missiles. Nobody in the world would dare mess with you.

this is the exact reason(on a smaller scale) israel, america, saudi etc dont want to escalate with Iran, a country without a functional army, navy or air force but only having a rocket force and drone force.