RudraM-II air-to-surface missile

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Context:

RudraM-II air-to-surface missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO from Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha coast.

RudraM-II

It is an indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system meant for Air-to-Surface role to neutralise many types of enemy assets.
It is manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace in their Hyderabad facility.

The Rudram

It is a series of supersonic and hypersonic air-to-surface ground attack and anti-radiation missiles in development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India.
It can be launched from a range of altitudes with large standoff distance for destroying enemy surveillance radars, communication stations and bunkers.

Manufacturers:

Variants:

Rudram-1
Rudram-2
Rudram-3

Differences between Rudram 1, Rudram 2, and Rudram 3 missile variants:

Feature	Rudram 1	Rudram 2	Rudram 3
Type	Anti-Radiation Missile	Anti-Radiation Missile	Anti-Radiation Missile
Primary Target	Enemy radar systems	Enhanced range and capability over Rudram 1	Enhanced range and capability over Rudram 2
Range	100-250 km	250-500 km	500-700 km
Guidance System	Passive homing head	Advanced passive homing head	Advanced passive homing head with improved accuracy
Warhead Type	High-explosive pre-fragmented	High-explosive pre-fragmented	High-explosive pre-fragmented
Launch Platform	Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000	Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000	Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000
Operational Status	Inducted, operational	Under development/testing	Planned/early development
Development Agency	DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)	DRDO	DRDO
Key Features	Suppresses enemy air defenses, versatile targeting	Extended range, improved homing accuracy	Further extended range, superior targeting and accuracy

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2022076

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements correctly describes the Rudram missile and its strategic importance for India's defense capabilities?

A) The Rudram missile is an indigenously developed surface-to-air missile designed primarily for intercepting and destroying enemy aircraft.

B) The Rudram missile, developed by DRDO, is India's first indigenous anti-radiation missile, capable of neutralizing enemy radar, communication sites, and other radio frequency-emitting targets, enhancing SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) operations.

C) The Rudram missile is a long-range cruise missile designed for precision strikes against high-value ground targets, enhancing India's deep strike capabilities.

D) The Rudram missile, launched from naval ships, is designed for anti-submarine warfare, increasing the Indian Navy's capabilities in underwater combat.

Answer: B) The Rudram missile, developed by DRDO, is India's first indigenous anti-radiation missile, capable of neutralizing enemy radar, communication sites, and other radio frequency-emitting targets, enhancing SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) operations.