RudraM Series Air-launched Missiles : Updates & Discussions

[Speedster1]

It makes little sense to bait a fighter jet for a sead mission when there are credible alternatives, I think IAF also have this view and hence NGARM is fit as TD to prove tech for the deliverables like R2 and R3. The short/medium range sead missions will be done via unmanned systems CATS variants, air launched LM variants there are plenty of scope.

Basically NGARM in its mission got multiple modes, you vary the engagement speed accordingly and the missile work in various ranges, 200km max when speed is low and 100-120km when quick engagement 2.2 mach speed. Hence its speed is variable at 0.8 mach to 2.2 mach for various range engagements.

First is target detection , you either detect the enemy radar asset via other means (drone/sat image/ground intel) or do it in a very risky direct probing mission on a jet. Either way you acquire the target and feed data to missile, release it , guide via datalink comm then let seeker do the job. Now do it over large range envelope 200km, you feed general area coordinates to missile, let it go slow and activate seeker in the target area for target acquisition, which is why NGARM can fetch out the target even if it has stopped emitting radiation, that ability is built in.

Other mission is a su30 baits the radar to radiate by probing which is very risky mission and chance of shot down. Once you detect and identify, need very quick engagement because target location is marked in the radar and need to kill it before it reacts to your presence so missile dashes at 2.2 mach high up and engage the target within short time, hence low 100-120km max engagement zone. if another offesive mission is on at the same time that missile will dodge this area if possible via early path planning.

IAF is likely to cut this 2nd short range engagement and use LM like harrop for such missions, instead of using a jet mission. This is practical choice. So if mission priority goes down, so would NGARM role and demand. Then your choice is whether use NGARM for a 200km engagement at slower speed or use R2 like store instead which is true standoff weapon. All while the upcoming LM variants like Sheshnag, NAL uav, Harrop etc are on incremental curve and offer more flexibility in terms of target detection , acquire and engagement all in 1 single package and in visual video feed means. This is how technology shape warfare i guess.

Despite having capable stand-off SIGINT platforms like the RC-135 and Global Hawk, the US continues to invest in the NGJ+Growler+ AARGM combo. That's because it provides integral EW protection to an inbound strike package + sniffs out hostile emitters+ takes them out. Imo, time of arrival is a problem for Harop/LM vs fast jets. A supersonic ARM is a far better option than re-directing LM/drones to hit time-critical, targets of opportunity.

 

[Rajput Lion]

@marich01

DRDO chief says that NGARM/RudraM-1 is going to get inducted within next 2 years @3:30 mark onwards:

So it's not TD as you earlier had said.

 

[marich01]

So it's not TD as you earlier had said.

MoD report claimed its TD project.

 

[CATS @hunter]

That is due to the AD grid, and in the reverse case IAF used harrop took out AD system inside Pak. So it proved the utility of this tool. Rest is up to the mission planner, if rightly used a proper utility tool can be used in meaningful way without having to rely on much high end asset.

But harpy is also a anti radiation loitering munitions, what the IAF did is used Banshee for the bait and used HARPY for SEAD/DEAD missions, we
Can clearly do that with sheshnag too, which comes with EO, and can work in GPS denied area's, but this will be useful against Pakistan, but won't likely work against China, where they have better radar's & AD systems,
The mass production of Rudram2 & 3 is way to go,
Where we can fire these missiles from every fighter jets,
Combine of Rudram2 & 3 and harpy, sheshnag and swift k, we can successfully achieve SEAD DEAD missions

 

[Rajput Lion]

MoD report claimed its TD project.

That's why I was surprised and said this:

 

[marich01]

That's why I was surprised and said this:

My point was more related to for a probing mode sead mission at ranges 200-250km radius where the fighter flies low working to lure out the hidden ad assets by being a bait itself, that role can now be done via various loitering ammo/unmanned system combination and can be very effective due to progress in tech, comm link and surveillance/ISR on a whole. So in that regard a jet carrying NGARM doing such a risky mission can now be replaced with unmanned option saving the pilot from the higher risk effectively.

Now if alternative is available for a specific weapon, similarly number for induction would also be lower and shared between multiple options. hence lower no of NGARM induction is possible.

But harpy is also a anti radiation loitering munitions, what the IAF did is used Banshee for the bait and used HARPY for SEAD/DEAD missions, we
Can clearly do that with sheshnag too, which comes with EO, and can work in GPS denied area's, but this will be useful against Pakistan, but won't likely work against China, where they have better radar's & AD systems,
The mass production of Rudram2 & 3 is way to go,
Where we can fire these missiles from every fighter jets,
Combine of Rudram2 & 3 and harpy, sheshnag and swift k, we can successfully achieve SEAD DEAD missions

How you plan a sead mission and with what asset is up to the mission commander.
In this case a harrop with additional associated asset can do job, in a different mission NGARM can. This is why it is better to procure variety of weapon systems. It gives very good many choices and options even if enemy develop counter for 1 or 2.

 

[TARGET]

The specifications of RUDRAM II have a very similar profile and specifications to CM 400 AKG. LCA Tejas can carry 2 missiles for a similar ground attack role if needed.

CM 400 AKG Specifications:

• Range: 100-240 km (54-130 nm)
• Speed: Mach 4.5 to 5.5 in its terminal phase
• Warhead: 150 kg blast fragmentation or 200 kg penetration warhead
• Weight: Approximately 900 kg
• Diameter: 400 mm
• Length: 5.1 m
• Flight Profile: High-altitude, high-speed, semi-ballistic trajectory
• Seeker Options: INS + GNSS + Passive Radar Seeker or INS-GNSS + IR/TV Seeker
• Guidance: Inertial navigation with GPS corrections

 

[marich01]

If a missile flies at mach 4+ speed, does the tv seeker really work whether be the angle of attack a steep dive or shallow angle ? even overlooking the part that its a rather older gen tech for target acquisition.

Btw just like the brahmos NG case, a Su30 wiil be able to carry 5 Rudram 2 in one go, being first gen its about a ton 1025-1050 kg weight. In future they will likely replace some airframe parts with 3D printed stuff like mounting bracket , rack etc for avionics holder thereby further reducing weight.

 

[Chicu01]

The specifications of RUDRAM II have a very similar profile and specifications to CM 400 AKG. LCA Tejas can carry 2 missiles for a similar ground attack role if needed.

CM 400 AKG Specifications:

• Range: 100-240 km (54-130 nm)
• Speed: Mach 4.5 to 5.5 in its terminal phase
• Warhead: 150 kg blast fragmentation or 200 kg penetration warhead
• Weight: Approximately 900 kg
• Diameter: 400 mm
• Length: 5.1 m
• Flight Profile: High-altitude, high-speed, semi-ballistic trajectory
• Seeker Options: INS + GNSS + Passive Radar Seeker or INS-GNSS + IR/TV Seeker
• Guidance: Inertial navigation with GPS corrections

CM 400 AKG hits Mach 4.5-5 at burnout. Then it’s velocity keeps on decreasing.

In the terminal phase, its velocity is around M1 to 1.2. Exact speed depends on trajectory followed and the execution of manoeuvres to thwart terminal defences of the enemy.

Our R II has a higher range and better maneuvering characteristics vs CM 400 AKG.

 

[marich01]

Just curious, how much similarity can be there in between these 2 articles ?




More importantly, given Prahaar was very much pre-dated to Pralay, how much possibility to modify the latter airframe for an airborne application ?
Its not like they are suddenly talking about some M-4

 

[CATS @hunter]

Just curious, how much similarity can be there in between these 2 articles ?

View attachment 44220
View attachment 44221

More importantly, given Prahaar was very much pre-dated to Pralay, how much possibility to modify the latter airframe for an airborne application ?
Its not like they are suddenly talking about some M-4

View attachment 44222

Why not converting STAR for anti radiation roles too, it will maintain it's speed throughout the whole phase, highly accurate due to the new seeker, Greater survival rate,

Does R-3 losses it's hypersonic speed in the terminal phase?

 

[marich01]

Why not converting STAR for anti radiation roles too, it will maintain it's speed throughout the whole phase, highly accurate due to the new seeker, Greater survival rate,

Does R-3 losses it's hypersonic speed in the terminal phase?

STAR is a very different TD, it is liquid ramjet propulsion. Here The rudrams , prahaar Pralay all are solid rocket motor with solid propellant.

Choice of propulsion is made for an engagement within a specific range envelope accordingly coupled with several factors like vehicle velocity, attitude , angular body rates within certain bounded limits. These factors determine which mode of propulsion is suitable, what specific impulse is needed for that propulsion and accordingly to optimise the size of propulsion stages the suitable density and energy (calorific value) of the propellant.

Based on these initial design, the control laws of the vehicle is then prepared accordingly the aerodynamic characteristics. In short, choice of propulsion is influenced by other factors that are given as requirements for development of the product.

So far we know nothing about R-3 officially. Every other report you cite are individual interpretation. From the general config, we can definitely understand certain aspects if we have some knowledge on the subject like why those bigger tail fins, which ones are actuated & which are fixed, what function it has etc. But other than that, not much else.

 

[Crimson Fox]

Rudram 1 Brochure from Defence Expo 2022

Features
• Air to ground missile used to incapacitate enemy air defence radars (Surveillance radars, tracking radars and communication systems)
• Designed to integrate with fighter aircraft (Sukhoi 30Mki)
• Two RF seekers (One passive seeker and one MMW seeker)
• Electro-Mechanical Safety Arming Mechanism with built-in safety stages

Specifications
Length: 5200mm
Diameter: 315mm
Weight: 600kg
Range: 100-150km
Launch altitude: 1km to 15km
Warhead: Pre-Fragmentation (PF) type - 55kg
Shelf life: 10+ years
Propulsion system: Dual Pulsed Rocket Propulsion System
Launch: Automatic check out and launch
Fuze: Laser End Game Fuze



Rudram 1 NGARM (New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile) Brochure from a technical seminar in Aero India 2021

Main Features
• NGARM is India's first Anti-Radiation Missile and state of the art Air to Surface weapon system developed with a primary role of offensive suppression of enemy air defences at ranges of upto 200 km for Indian Air Force.
• Missile has unique dual seeker system comprising of Passive Homing Head and Milli Meter Wave active seeker.
• Missile utilizes dual-pulse long-duration solid propulsion

New Technologies
• Passive Homing Head & MMW Seekers
• Ultra-Wideband Radome
• Two Way Data Link
• Laser Proximity Fuze

Technical Specifications
Platform : Sukhoi-30MKI
Range : 15-200 km
Altitude : 0.5-15 km
Weight : Less than 600 kg
Warhead : 60 kg
Mid Course Guidance : PHH & INGPS
Terminal Guidance : MMW Seeker
Launcher : AKU-58AE (modified)
Targets :Surveillance and Fire Control Radars



NGARM Brochure from Defence Expo 2020

New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile NGARM is first Indian Anti-radiation missile designed and developed by DRDO.

Features
• Target includes surveillance Radars, Fire control radars, communication radars.
• Developed Indigenously.
• Powered by Dual pulse solid propulsion system
• Inertial and Seeker based Guidance
• Designed to be launched from fighter aircrafts



Rudram 1 Brochure from Vigyan Vaibhav 2025


Missile Specifications
Role : Suppression of Enemy Air Defence Missions
Platform : Sukhoi 30MKI
Range : 15-100 km (extendable to 200+km)
Altitude : 0.5-15 km
Weight : Less than 600 kg
Warhead: 60 kg
Midcourse Guidance : PHH & INS GPS
Terminal Guidance : MMW Seeker
Launcher : AKU-58AE (modified)
Targets : Surveillance and Fire Control Radars


Current Status
• Full mission range of 100km demonstrated-range proven
• Captive performance evaluation of PHH and MMW conducted - Detection and Tracking performance satisfactory
• Project in Advanced stage of flight trial to demonstrate full configuration
Development cum Production Partner identified

 

[Crimson Fox]

Rudram 2 Brochure from Defence Expo 2022


Common features:
Propulsion : Solid Rocket Motor
Navigation : INS + SATNAV
Actuation : EMA
Range : 50-300 Km
Launch Platform : Su 30MKI & Mirage 2000
Launch Mach : 0.5 to 1.5
Launch Alt : 3 to 15 Km
Apogee : 40 km
Time of Flight : 400sec
Mach number : Peak (5.5) Touchdown (>1.0)
WH Weight : 200 Kg class
Control : Aerodynamic


ARM Role
Seeker : PHH+IIR
Warhead : PF-155 Kg
Impact Angle : 40°-50°
Target : Radar Installations

Ground Attack Role
Seeker : IIR
Warhead : PCB-200 Kg
Impact Angle : 80°
Target : Bunkers, Air Strips, Hangars


Rudram 2 Brochure from Vigyan Vaibhav 2025


Specifications
Range : 50 - 300 km
Diameter : 455 mm
Length : 4995 mm
Mass : 1025 kg
Propulsion : Solid Rocket Motor
Navigation : INS + SATNAV
Actuation : EMA
Launch Platform : Su 30MKI
Launch Mach : 0.5 to 0.9
Launch Alt : 3 to 11 Km
Apogee : 40 km
Time of Flight : 300sec
Mach number : Peak (5.5) Touchdown (>1.0)
WH Weight : 200 Kg class
Control : Aerodynamic

Ground Attack Role
Seeker : IIR
Warhead : PCB-200 Kg
Impact Angle : 80°
Target : Bunkers, Air Strips, Hangars

ARM Role
Seeker : RF seeker
Warhead : PF-155 Kg
Impact Angle : 40°-50°
Target : Radar Installations

--------------------------------------------------------------

Rudram 3

Brochure from Vigyan Vaibhav 2025



Rudram 3 Brochure from Defence Expo 2022


RudraM- 3 is an Air to Surface missile capable of neutralizing Radiating targets and ground targets including Bunkers, Buildings, Shelters at long ranges.

SALIENT FEATURES
Capable to be launched trom Su-30mki
Passive and Active dual mode seeker
Possible lock on before launch
Highly manoeuvrable missile
All weather Day and night capability
All thorough supersonic

CURRENT STATUS
Under Devlopment

LAB
Research Centre Imarat Hyderabad as Nodal Lab


Unknown Origin Schematics of Rudram 3 (possibly for a scale model)



Projected Specifications (My guestimates)
Range : 500- 550 km
Diameter : 560 mm
Length : 6000 mm
Mass : 1.6 -1.8 ton
Propulsion : 2 Stage Solid Rocket Motor
Navigation : INS + SATNAV
Actuation : EMA
Launch Platform : Su 30MKI
Launch Mach : ?
Launch Alt : ?
Apogee : ?
Time of Flight : ?
Mach number : ?
WH Weight : 150 Kg class (125 kg PCB warhead)
Control : Aerodynamic

 

[Crimson Fox]

Warheads of Rudram Series of Missiles

PF Warhead for NGARM (RudraM I)
Mass : 58 kg
Dimension : 280 mm x 438 mm
TA Frag : 6 x 6 x 4.5 mm
Cuboids : 8000 nos.
HE: (RDX/AI/ΗΤΡΒ: 64/20/16)
Explosive : 23 kg/24 kg
Beam Width : 50° to 100°
Lethality : Penetration of 10 mm thick steel with 10 hits/m² at 10 m distance APB


PF Warhead for RudraM II
Mass : 155 kg
Space constraints: 425mm x 552 mm
Warhead Dimensions: 425 x 552 mm (155 kg)
Frags: TA cuboids (6x6x4.5 mm)
Cuboids: 17000 nos
Explosive: 72 kg (RDX/AI/HTPB 64/20/16)
Beam width: 60° to 100°
Lethality : Penetration of 8 mm MS plate at 10 m with 15 hits/m²
Penetration of 8 mm steel at 50m APB





PCB Warhead for RudraM II
Dimensions : 285mm × 1100 mm
Mass of warhead : 198 kg (with Guide tube)
Explosive : 59 kg of PBHE 505 E (RDX/AP/AI/ΗΤΡΒ. 25/30/30/15)
Penetration Capability : 1m Soil + 0.5m RCC at 300m/s
SAM : Post Impact Delay


PCB Warhead for RudraM III
Dimensions : 195 mm x 1200 mm
Mass of warhead : 125 kg (with Guide tube)
Explosive : 30 kg
Penetration Capability : 0.5m Soil + 1.5m RCC (50MPa)
SAM : Post Impact Delay

 

[RationalGuy]

Warheads of Rudram Series of Missiles
View attachment 44436
PF Warhead for NGARM (RudraM I)
Mass : 58 kg
Dimension : 280 mm x 438 mm
TA Frag : 6 x 6 x 4.5 mm
Cuboids : 8000 nos.
HE: (RDX/AI/ΗΤΡΒ: 64/20/16)
Explosive : 23 kg/24 kg
Beam Width : 50° to 100°
Lethality : Penetration of 10 mm thick steel with 10 hits/m² at 10 m distance APB


PF Warhead for RudraM II
Mass : 155 kg
Space constraints: 425mm x 552 mm
Warhead Dimensions: 425 x 552 mm (155 kg)
Frags: TA cuboids (6x6x4.5 mm)
Cuboids: 17000 nos
Explosive: 72 kg (RDX/AI/HTPB 64/20/16)
Beam width: 60° to 100°
Lethality : Penetration of 8 mm MS plate at 10 m with 15 hits/m²
Penetration of 8 mm steel at 50m APB


View attachment 44437
View attachment 44438

PCB Warhead for RudraM II
Dimensions : 285mm × 1100 mm
Mass of warhead : 198 kg (with Guide tube)
Explosive : 59 kg of PBHE 505 E (RDX/AP/AI/ΗΤΡΒ. 25/30/30/15)
Penetration Capability : 1m Soil + 0.5m RCC at 300m/s
SAM : Post Impact Delay


PCB Warhead for RudraM III
Dimensions : 195 mm x 1200 mm
Mass of warhead : 125 kg (with Guide tube)
Explosive : 30 kg
Penetration Capability : 0.5m Soil + 1.5m RCC (50MPa)
SAM : Post Impact Delay

Resident experts by when do you think we will induct Rudram 2 and Rudram 3?

 

[Rajput Lion]

Resident experts by when do you think we will induct Rudram 2 and Rudram 3?

Next 2-3 years.

 

[RationalGuy]

Next 2-3 years

Sir also our Rudrams will be more than capable of handling radars of thr type HQ19 deploys right? So that means even from over 500 km we can destroy their radars.

 

[Rajput Lion]

Sir also our Rudrams will be more than capable of handling radars of thr type HQ19 deploys right? So that means even from over 500 km we can destroy their radars.

Our RudraM series missiles would make the Pakistani & Cheeni SAM operators "cry and run" by the complete destruction of all C&C radars, Comm nodes, Firing Units and Power Generators aka their entire IADS. You can absolutely count on that. And if thinking about 500kms range makes you happy, there is likely a RudraM 4 in development with 1000-1500kms range

 

[marich01]

The 3 trial batch R-2 are getting readied for final integration at BDL, 2 ARR (anti radiation role) and 1 GAR (ground attack role)