New Delhi: In a significant leap towards self-reliance in defence technology, India is advancing the development of a hypersonic air-to-ground missile—Rudram-4—as confirmed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamat in an exclusive interview with India TV.
The Rudram-4 will be a Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSOW), designed to strike targets from over 300 km, potentially even surpassing the 550 km range of Rudram-3. Unlike previous variants, this advanced missile will feature hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approx. 6,790 km/h), making it nearly impossible to intercept. It is also expected to be lighter, enhancing compatibility with a broader range of Indian Air Force (IAF) platforms such as the Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, and possibly even the Rafale.
Strategic Game-Changer for the IAF
Dr. Kamat described Rudram-4 as a “force multiplier” that will allow India to execute deep-strike missions while staying well within its own airspace—a crucial advantage when targeting enemy surface-to-air missile systems, radar installations, and fortified command structures, particularly along contested borders with China and Pakistan.
Key Features of Rudram-4:
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Hypersonic Speed: Over Mach 5, ensuring minimal enemy reaction time and radar evasion.
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Precision Guidance: Advanced INS-GPS systems and potential seekers like Infrared Imaging (IIR) or passive homing heads.
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Quasi-Ballistic Trajectory: Low-altitude, maneuverable flight path akin to Russia’s Kinzhal missile, to avoid enemy radar arcs.
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Lightweight Construction: Possibly lighter than Rudram-3’s 600–700 kg, allowing for broader platform integration.
The development of Rudram-4 was greenlit under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in March 2023. Initial expectations pointed to a subsonic cruise missile with a range of up to 1,500 km, but the project was realigned to prioritize hypersonic capabilities—a move reflecting India’s push for next-gen warfare technology.
Rudram Missile Family Growing
Rudram-4 is part of a broader indigenous missile family:
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Rudram-1 (already tested and set for induction within two years)
New generation first indigenous Anti-Radiation Missile RUDRAM developed by @DRDO_India for Indian Air Force successfully flight tested today onto a radiation target located on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. pic.twitter.com/RQWJUFxdwP
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) October 9, 2020
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Rudram-2 and Rudram-3 (under development)
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Rudram-4 (hypersonic variant under design)
“These are entirely Indian systems designed to meet our operational requirements,” said Kamat. “All the Rudram missiles are in various stages of development, and we aim to induct the full series within the next three to four years.”
Rudram: India’s Answer to SEAD Warfare
First tested in October 2020, Rudram missiles are India’s first home-grown air-to-surface anti-radiation missiles, intended to neutralize enemy air defences by targeting radar and communication systems. With passive homing heads, INS-GPS guidance, and supersonic speeds, these missiles give India a powerful edge in Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and electronic warfare.
Their integration with IAF’s front-line fighters, especially the Su-30MKI, and future inclusion on HAL Tejas, signifies India’s commitment to bolstering home-grown strike capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A Future-Ready Arsenal
India’s pivot to hypersonic missile technology with Rudram-4 marks a crucial shift in strategic posturing. As global threats evolve, the country is arming itself with next-generation systems to ensure air superiority, tactical dominance, and indigenous technological advancement.
