India’s indigenous Rudram-2 air-to-surface missile is nearing production clearance after entering the final stage of validation trials. Developed by DRDO as a next-generation anti-radiation missile, Rudram-2 is intended to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s suppression of enemy air defence capability while replacing older Russian-origin Kh-31 systems. After a successful full-configuration test in May 2024, the program moved into refinement work through 2025 and 2026, focusing heavily on seeker performance in cluttered electromagnetic environments. This is critical for detecting hostile radar emissions amid jamming and electronic warfare conditions. The production ecosystem is being built under the Development-cum-Production Partner model, with Adani Defence & Aerospace and Bharat Dynamics Limited playing major roles. The Su-30MKI has served as the main test platform and can reportedly carry up to three missiles. Integration is also planned for Mirage 2000, Tejas Mk2, and potentially Rafale aircraft. With a strike range exceeding 300 km, Rudram-2 allows stand-off attacks on radar and SAM assets while keeping launch aircraft outside many threat envelopes.
