Context

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired the air-to-surface RudraM-II missile from Indian Air Force Su-30 MK-I platform off the coast of Odisha on 29 May 2024.

 Key Points

• The flight-test met all the test objectives while validating the propulsion system and control and guidance algorithms.
• The performance of the missile has been validated from flight data captured by range tracking instruments such as electro-optical systems, radars and telemetry stations deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur at various locations including on-board ship.
• RudraM-II is an indigenously developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system capable of air-to-surface strike to destroy a wide range of enemy assets.
• The missile system incorporates several cutting-edge indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories.
•  RudraM, India's first Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM), is an 'Air-to-Surface' missile developed by DRDO.

 Features

• This missile uses a navigation mechanism that includes satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) and an Inertial Navigation System.
• It uses a 'passive homing head' for guidance, which enables it to strike the target accurately even if the radiation source is switched off during the task.

 About Anti Radiation Missiles

• These are designed to detect, track and neutralize adversaries' radars, communication assets and other radio frequency sources, which are usually part of their air defense systems.
• These can detect and target any radiation emitting source.
• These can play a vital role in neutralizing any jamming platform of the enemy or destroying radar stations, thereby clearing the way for its fighter jets to attack and also protecting its systems from jamming.

 Important facts for exam

 About Rudram-1

•  It is an air-to-surface missile, designed and developed by DRDO.
• This new generation anti-radiation missile Rudram-1 was tested at the Integrated Test Range in Balasore, Odisha.

 DRDO 

• Establishment: 1958
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• DRDO Chairman: Sameer V Kamat