Context
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with the Indian Air Force (IAF), successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet off the coast of Odisha.
About RudraM-II Missile
- Type of Missile: It is an indigenous, Next-Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM).
- Role/Tactics: Developed to enhance the IAF’s Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD) capabilities. It targets and neutralizes adversary radar, communication assets, and radio frequency (RF) sources.
- Propulsion: Powered by a solid-propelled rocket motor.
- Speed: Hypersonic/high-supersonic capabilities, reaching terminal speeds up to Mach 5.5.
- Range & Payload: Operates at a strike range of approximately 300 km (a major step up from RudraM-I’s 150 km range) and carries a 200 kg warhead.
- Launch Platform: Tested primarily via the frontline Su-30 MKI fighter jet, with future plans to integrate it across other IAF platforms like the HAL Tejas and Mirage 2000.
- Nodal Development Agency: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad (a premier DRDO laboratory), along with DRDL (Hyderabad), HEMRL & ARDE (Pune).
- Along with the Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), agencies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness, the Missile System Quality Assurance Agency, and several industry partners contributed to the project, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
With reference to the RudraM-II missile, consider the following statements:
1. It is an indigenous Next-Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM).
2. It is designed to target enemy radar and radio frequency sources.
3. It is a surface-to-air missile developed for ballistic missile defence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct. RudraM-II is an indigenous Next-Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) developed by DRDO.
• Statement 2 is Correct. It is designed to destroy enemy radar systems, communication assets, and other radio-frequency (RF) emission sources.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect. RudraM-II is an air-to-surface missile, not a surface-to-air missile. It is intended for Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD/DEAD) missions, not ballistic missile defence.
