DRDO Rudram-3 Advances with Ground Attack and Anti-Radiation Variants

Defense News ,India :- India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed significant progress in the Rudram-3 missile program, revealing plans for a ground attack variant equipped with a Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) warhead. Additionally, the development of this warhead has been successfully completed, with an anti-radiation variant also in the pipeline.

As per a Twitter post by Varun Karthikeyan, the Rudram-3 is a hypersonic, air-launched missile boasting a range of approximately 550 kilometers and a remarkable speed exceeding Mach 5. The upcoming ground attack variant and anti-radiation variant are anticipated to enhance the missile's versatility and strategic capabilities.

The Rudram series, developed by DRDO, comprises air-to-surface missiles designed for diverse operational scenarios. These missiles are capable of targeting enemy communication stations, bunkers, and surveillance radars, showcasing their adaptability across various altitudes.

Manufactured collaboratively by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, the Rudram-3 is set to undergo firing trials on Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets, with DRDO preparing these aircraft for potential testing.

The missile, expected to have a range of 500 km and achieve hypersonic speeds, is undergoing continuous software enhancements to effectively engage a broader spectrum of targets under various operational conditions. DRDO is concurrently developing a ground-based variant, launchable from a mobile launcher, to augment its operational flexibility.

In the broader context of DRDO's missile development initiatives, the Rudram-2, featuring a 300 km range, is also in progress, emphasizing the organization's commitment to enhancing India's defense capabilities.

According to reports, the objective is to integrate Rudram-3 into the Air Force by 2022 following six to seven more planned tests. The missile's passive homing head, capable of detecting, classifying, and engaging targets across a wide band of frequencies, positions it as a pivotal asset in India's evolving defense arsenal.