RudraM-1 is India’s first indigenous anti-radiation missile. It was successfully flight tested on October 9 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which developed it. Once it is ready for induction. RudraM-1 will part of the tactical weaponry of the Indian Air Force. The new generation anti-radiation missile with a speed of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) is likely to be integrated into the IAFS Sukhoi fighter jets.
Purpose of an anti-radiation missile
An anti-radiation missile is a missile designed for use against enemy radars on the ground. Besides detecting these missiles can target radiation-emission sources, jammers (devices used to disrupt signals from reaching) and radios used for communication and Surveillance. Mainly used in the initial part of an air conflict to strike at the air defence systems of the enemy, they can play a crucial role in disrupting jamming platforms and destroying radars, thereby clearing the way for fighter jets to launch attacks. It is also said that the missiles can prevent own systems from getting jammed.
Bang on target
According to the DRDO, RudraM-1, launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet, hit the radiation target located on the Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha with pinpoint accuracy. The target seeking air-to-surface missile has a strike range of 250 km and can be launched from heights of 500 metres to 15 km.
Its navigation mechanism comprises an Inertial Navigation System (a computerised mechanism) and a Global Positioning System, which is satellite-based. Armed with a guidance system called Passive Homing Head, which can detect, classify and engage targets, RudraM-1 can detect radio emissions 100 km away. Once the missile locks onto the radiation target it is capable of hitting it accurately even if the enemy switches off the radar midway.
Picture Credit : Google