Updated: October 10, 2020 10:08:37 am
The Rudram missile is launched from a Sukhoi-30 MKI.
India’s first indigenous anti-radiation missile, Rudram, developed for the Indian Air Force, was successfully flight tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI jet off the east coast on Friday.
What is an anti-radiation missile?
Anti-radiation missiles are designed to detect, track, and neutralize adversary radar, communication assets, and other radio-frequency sources, which are generally part of their air defense systems. The navigation mechanism of such a missile comprises an inertial navigation system, a computerized mechanism that uses changes in the object’s own position, together with GPS, which is based on satellites.
As a guide, it has a “passive reference head”, a system that can detect, classify and attack targets (radio frequency sources in this case) in a wide band of frequencies as programmed. Authorities said that once the Rudram missile fixes on the target, it is capable of accurately hitting even if the radiation source is turned off in the middle. Authorities said the missile has an operational range of more than 100 km, based on the launch parameters of the fighter jet.
How did Rudram develop?
Rudram is an air-to-ground missile, designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Officials said DRDO began development of anti-radiation missiles of this type about eight years ago, and their integration with fighter jets has been a collaborative effort of various IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. DRDO facilities and formations. It has been tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI, it can also be adapted for launch from other combat aircraft.
Because missiles must be transported and launched from extremely complex and sensitive fighter jets, the development was fraught with challenges, such as the development of radiation search technologies and guidance systems, as well as integration with the fighter plane, said a DRDO scientist.
One official said that the Sanskrit name Rudram was given in accordance with tradition, because it includes the letters ARM (the acronym for anti-radiation missile) and the Sanskrit word describes a “pain eliminator” (one of its meanings).
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How important are these missiles in air warfare?
Rudram has been developed for the IAF’s requirement to enhance its Enemy Air Defense Suppression (SEAD) capability. As one of the many aspects of SEAD tactics, anti-radiation missiles are used primarily in the early part of the air conflict to attack enemy air defense assets, and also in subsequent parts, increasing the survivability of aircraft. of the own country. . Neutralizing or disrupting the operations of the adversary’s early warning radars, command and control systems, surveillance systems that use radio frequencies and provide inputs for anti-aircraft weapons, can be very crucial.
Scientists said that modern warfare is increasingly focused on the network, meaning it comprises elaborate detection, surveillance and communication systems that are integrated with weapons systems.
What’s next for Rudram?
Rudram hit the radiation target with pinpoint precision, DRDO said. After the test, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted to say that the test is “a remarkable achievement.”
Authorities said a few more flights would take place before the system is ready for induction.
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