RudraM Series Air-launched Missiles : Updates & Discussions

cross posting old post related to Rudram 1, Rudram 2, Rudram 3

1789448535658.png

 
Rudram 1 NGARM from MoD 25-26 annual report
View attachment 53984
New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM)

New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM) is a state-of-the-art air-to-surface weapon system developed with a primary role of suppression of enemy air defence as per PSQR raised by Indian Air Force. The weapon system has a range potential in excess when launched from higher altitudes at supersonic speeds
Successful demonstration of Passive Homing Head (PHH) functionality against S-band Target was conducted at Chandan Range on November 20, 2025. Development trials were completed in 2025. A few more trials will be conducted for bringing the weapon system a step closer towards induction into the services.
Rudram 1 is still not in service ??

And i used to think that we are very close to induction of Rudram 2.

Pakistan already have Rudram 2 class missile(CM-400 akg ).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kitsune
Development trials were completed in 2025.
Rudram 1 is still not in service ??

And i used to think that we are very close to induction of Rudram 2.

Pakistan already have Rudram 2 class missile(CM-400 akg ).
Captive trials began 10 years back by the way. DRDO is just too slow to deliver on a lot of things and IAF is forced to look for imports to bridge the gap.
Rudram-2 at this rate will be inducted 10 years from now. Rudram-3 is anyway now a "tech demonstrator" only.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Photon Vish
Don't think that could be the problem here. R1 is just a scaled up Astra mk1 with a bigger whd and guidance package, built to IAF QRs. Theoretically, DRDO would've developed an ARM in almost the same form factor if AHQ had asked for it.
The weight of the Rudram-1 can more so be attributed to the requirement for a 200km+ range vector coupled with the initial reliance on Russian RF seekers.
That being said, it's footprint is significantly bigger than the Astra Mk1 despite that obvious similarities between them when it comes to the missile body & control surfaces.
 
Don't think that could be the problem here. R1 is just a scaled up Astra mk1 with a bigger whd and guidance package, built to IAF QRs. Theoretically, DRDO would've developed an ARM in almost the same form factor if AHQ had asked for it.
There's only an outward similarity. NGARM needs to be powered for a longer periods compared to Astra, it's rocket motors are far far heavier. It is required to cover long distances (100km+) even if it's launched from low altitudes.
 
The weight of the Rudram-1 can more so be attributed to the requirement for a 200km+ range vector coupled with the initial reliance on Russian RF seekers.
That being said, it's footprint is significantly bigger than the Astra Mk1 despite that obvious similarities between them when it comes to the missile body & control surfaces.

There's only an outward similarity. NGARM needs to be powered for a longer periods compared to Astra, it's rocket motors are far far heavier. It is required to cover long distances (100km+) even if it's launched from low altitudes.
Ofcourse but wouldn't the IAF would've approved the basic specs before development began? That's standard practice across industries from software dev to mil R&D.

My point is the basic Astra design is scalable and has been adapted for multiple applications like QRSAM, NGARM and VLSRSAM (sadly all awaiting orders)

Weight reduction couldn't possibly be the holdup because at 600kg AUW, NGARM is in the very same class as Kh-31P which it is slated to replace.
 
Last edited:
Ofcourse but wouldn't the IAF would've approved the basic specs before development began? That's standard practice across industries from software dev to mil R&D.

My point is the basic Astra design is scalable and has been adapted for multiple applications like QRSAM, NGARM and VLSRSAM (sadly all awaiting orders)

Weight reduction couldn't possibly be the holdup because at 600kg AUW, NGARM is in the very same class as Kh-31P which it is slated to replace.
NGARM initially began as a technology demonstrator. However, it's still in the same weight ballpark as Kh-31P but with greater range.
Remember, the formal DAC approval came much later. Similar to how R3 is currently stated as a TD. However, that has left a window for Israeli imports.
 
NGARM initially began as a technology demonstrator. However, it's still in the same weight ballpark as Kh-31P but with greater range.
Remember, the formal DAC approval came much later. Similar to how R3 is currently stated as a TD. However, that has left a window for Israeli imports.
I'm surprised the IAF hasn't yet bought the US AARGM/ER along with the Rafale. It is the de-facto standard ARM used by most NATO AFs.

The wait for a French alternative will be a long one. Similarly integration of the Rudram family will likely start only after Rafale 2.0 is signed.