INDIA’S
RUDRAM -1 ANTI RADIATION MISSILE: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NEWS: India has successfully test-fired its first indigenous anti-radiation
missile, Rudram-1, developed by DRDO for the IAF.
Rudram-1 Anti-Radiation Missile
- Purpose:
Designed to suppress enemy air defenses by targeting and destroying radar
installations, communication sites, and other radio frequency emitting
sources.
- Developer:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Launch Platform:
Integrated with the IAF’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets.
Key
Features:
- Navigation and Targeting: Equipped with INS-GPS navigation and a Passive Homing
Head for precise targeting.
- Mission Capability:
Essential for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions, allowing
neutralization of enemy radars and communication systems.
- Range:
Approximately 250 km.
- Speed:
Supersonic.
- Altitude Flexibility:
Can be launched from altitudes ranging from 500 meters to 15 kilometers.
Comparative
Analysis with Global Counterparts:
- United States (AGM-88 HARM):
- In service for over three decades.
- Detects and destroys radar antennas or transmitters
with minimal aircrew input.
- Russia (Kh-58):
- Range of 120 km.
- Versatile, with various seeker heads for targeting
specific air defense radars.
- United Kingdom (ALARM):
- Designed for SEAD missions.
- Can loiter above the battlefield, attacking enemy
radars upon activation.
- China (FT-2000):
- Targets high-value, radar-emitting aircraft like AEW
and AWACS.
- Iran (Hormoz-2):
- Ballistic missile for maritime targets.
- Range of approximately 300 km.
- Brazil (MAR-1):
- Developed by Mectron, exported to countries like
Pakistan.
- Effective in suppressing enemy air defenses by
targeting radar systems.
Strategic
Implications for India:
- Advancement in Defense Capabilities: Enhances strategic deterrence against China and
Pakistan.
- Integration with Su-30MKIs: Allows SEAD operations deep within enemy territory.
- Technological Edge:
INS-GPS navigation and Passive Homing Head enable accurate targeting over
a wide range of frequencies.
- Operational Flexibility: Adaptable to different operational scenarios,
enhancing IAF's combat effectiveness.
Conclusion:
- The successful test of Rudram-1 marks a significant
advancement in India's indigenous defense technologies, crucial for modern
warfare and regional security.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-successfully-test-fires-new-generation-anti-radiation-missile-rudram-1-3541569/