Indigenous RudraM-II Missile Clears Flight Trials (Science & Technology)
Indigenous RudraM-II Missile Clears Flight Trials (Science & Technology)
Why In News:
Recently, India's indigenously developed RudraM-II anti-radiation missile has successfully completed its flight trials.
What are Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARMs)?
Definition: Anti-Radiation Missiles are designed to detect, track, and destroy enemy radar and electronic emission sources. They home in on electromagnetic radiation emitted by radar systems.
Strategic use: Used in Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) operations- enabling friendly aircraft to operate without radar-guided missile threats.
RudraM-I: India's first indigenous ARM, developed by DRDO. Air-launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters. First tested in October 2020. Entered limited service with the Indian Air Force.
RudraM-II: An upgraded, longer-range variant with improved seeker technology and higher precision. Designed for a wider frequency range to detect modern and frequency-agile radars.
Key Facts for Prelims:
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): Established in 1958. Under the Ministry of Defence. Coordinates defence research across 50+ laboratories. Responsible for developing BrahMos, Akash, Astra, Prithvi, Agni missile series, and now RudraM.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: Positive indigenisation list- items that cannot be importedmust be procured domestically. Two such lists have been notified. Target: Rs. 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2028-29.
Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Prioritises 'Buy Indian-IDDM' (Indigenously Designed, Developed, Manufactured) category as the highest preference in defence procurement.