In modern aerial combat, achieving air superiority depends on swiftly and effectively neutralising enemy air defence systems. Anti-radiation missiles (ARMs) play a crucial role in this task as they are designed to detect and destroy enemy radars, which are essential for tracking and targeting aerial threats. India’s first indigenously developed ARM, the Rudram 1, signifies a significant advancement in this technology. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Rudram 1 incorporates cutting-edge features that position it among the most capable ARMs globally. It ensures that Indian fighter jets maintain a strategic edge in suppressing enemy air defences, a critical component of achieving and sustaining air dominance.
How Anti-Radiation Missiles Work?
The operation of ARMs like the Rudram 1 involves a sophisticated interplay of tactics and technology. Fighter jets equipped with these missiles patrol enemy airspace, intentionally provoking enemy radars into tracking mode. By presenting themselves as targets, they compel radar operators to lock on. Once the radar emits tracking signals, the aircraft’s Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) detects these emissions, precisely identifying the radar’s location. The missile’s Passive Homing Head (PHH) then locks onto these emissions, guiding the missile to its target. Upon launch, the ARM homes in on the radar source, destroying it and significantly degrading the enemy’s air defence network. This tactic, known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), is fundamental to modern aerial warfare, and the Rudram 1 excels in this role with exceptional precision and reliability.
Rudram 1: Setting New Standards in Anti-Radiation Missile Capabilities
The Rudram 1 showcases India’s cutting-edge advancements in anti-radiation missile technology, placing it on par with its global counterparts due to its sophisticated features. In comparison to China’s YJ91, which boasts a 120 km range and is derived from Russia’s Kh31P (110 km), the Rudram 1 excels with an impressive 200 km range, enabling precise strikes deep within enemy territory.
NGARM: New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile. Source DRDO
Russia’s latest Kh31PD missile, operational with a maximum range of 250 km, incorporates an autonomous Passive Homing Head (PHH) seeker with lock-on after-launch capability. Once the radar is detected, fighter jets can launch the missile towards designated target areas, where it autonomously homes in and destroys radar sources. However, detecting radars at such extended ranges remains challenging in hostile electronic warfare (EW) environments.
In contrast, the Rudram 1 shares similarities with the US AARGM ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range), currently under testing with an estimated range of up to 193 km. Both missiles utilise INS/GPS guidance and a dual seeker system combining Millimetre Wave (MMW) and PHH technologies. INS/GPS guidance allows them to be pre-programmed with target radar coordinates and frequencies obtained from intelligence-gathering platforms like MALE/HALE drones. This capability enables launches even without direct detection by the launch platform.
During the terminal phase, the MMW seeker of these missiles maintains precise target lock-on, ensuring accurate engagement even if radar operators attempt to evade detection by turning off or relocating radars. This reliability and adaptability underscore the effectiveness of the Rudram 1 in neutralising evolving threats in modern warfare scenarios.
Current Status and Future Developments in Rudram Family
While the Indian Air Force currently operates the Russian Kh31P missile, the Rudram 1 is poised to enhance its capabilities significantly. During Aero India 2023, Janes reported that the Rudram 1 is ready for user trials. The Indian Air Force has also proposed the procurement of these missiles to the Ministry of Defence, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 1400 crores.
Furthermore, DRDO has achieved a significant milestone in advancing anti-radiation missile technology with the successful flight test of the Rudram 2 missile on 29th May, demonstrating an extended range capability of 300 km. Looking ahead, DRDO is actively developing the Rudram 3 missile, which is anticipated to extend its range capability to 500 km further. These advancements underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous missile capabilities, reinforcing strategic readiness to counter evolving threats effectively.
Vinay Sadham
