India Successfully Conducts RudraM-III Missile Release Trials from Su-30 MKI Fighter

In a major boost to India's air-launched strike capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted release trials of the indigenously developed RudraM-III air-to-surface missile from a modified Su-30 MKI fighter jet. The trial marks a key milestone in the development of one of India’s most advanced air-launched weapons aimed at Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and deep-strike missions.

The release trial, reported by Alpha Defense and confirmed by multiple defence sources, involved two RudraM-III missiles being mounted and released from the Su-30 MKI in flight. The test validated the missile’s integration with the platform and assessed structural dynamics, carriage compatibility, and safe separation under operational flight conditions.

A Hypersonic Strike Asset

The RudraM-III is the most powerful in the RudraM series of air-launched missiles developed by DRDO. Unlike its predecessors — RudraM-I and RudraM-II — the RudraM-III boasts hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+), a strike range of up to 600 km, and is designed for deep penetration against high-value strategic enemy targets including radar stations, air defense networks, bunkers, and airfields.

The missile is equipped with:

• A dual-pulsed solid rocket motor for extended propulsion,

• A 200 kg warhead capable of penetration and blast effects,

• An advanced guidance system combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS for mid-course correction,

• And a passive homing head or optional Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for terminal precision.

Its aerodynamic design includes 16 fins (8 mid-body and 8 at the tail), enabling control and stability even at hypersonic speeds and high altitudes.

Modified Su-30 MKI as Launch Platform

The test aircraft, a Su-30 MKI with tail number SB-214, was specially modified for the RudraM-III integration trials. Structural reinforcements, software upgrades, and interface systems were incorporated to mount and deploy the missile from underwing pylons (weapon stations 5 and 6). The interface meets MIL-STD-1553B standards for seamless communication between the missile and the aircraft's mission computer.

The successful carriage and release pave the way for further developmental trials, including guided live-fire testing, before the missile is cleared for operational service.

Strategic Edge for Indian Air Force

With its extended range and hypersonic strike capability, RudraM-III is expected to become a game-changer for the Indian Air Force (IAF), particularly for Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD/DEAD) missions. The stand-off missile will allow IAF jets to strike enemy radars and installations from safe distances, neutralizing threats without entering contested airspace.

A heavy strike configuration of the Su-30 MKI, carrying up to four RudraM-III missiles, is also under evaluation, significantly increasing the offensive punch of India's frontline fighter fleet.

Following the successful release trials, DRDO will move to the next phase of testing, which includes full-range live firing and performance validation. Once inducted, the RudraM-III will be a key element in India’s air dominance strategy and a major addition to its indigenous missile arsenal.

The development and testing are being spearheaded by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in coordination with the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for platform integration.

With the RudraM-III entering its final testing stages, India is poised to enhance its precision strike capabilities, asserting its commitment to self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.