India’s Rudram-IV missile is shaping up to be a revolutionary tool in the country’s defence arsenal, representing the cutting edge of indigenous hypersonic air-to-surface missile technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
With capabilities of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 6,000 km/h) and a long operational range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, Rudram-IV is set to redefine India’s strategic reach and airstrike precision. The name “Rudram,” which means “Roaring” in Sanskrit, is a fitting name for these powerful weapons that can destroy enemy defences
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The Rudram series originated from India’s need for self-reliant and advanced anti-radiation missiles (ARM) aimed at suppressing enemy air defences by destroying radar and communication systems. These “Roaring” missiles have evolved through various versions with increasing range and capabilities. Rudram-IV is the pinnacle of this series, designed as a Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSOW) capable of deep penetration strikes into hostile territory while launched safely from Indian airspace.
Technologically, Rudram-IV integrates multiple advanced features:
It achieves hypersonic speed primarily in its terminal flight phase using a hybrid propulsion system combining a solid rocket booster with a scramjet or ramjet engine, enabling both initial thrust and sustained hypersonic velocity.
The Rudram-IV missile achieves its Mach 5 hypersonic speeds using a hybrid propulsion system that combines two key components: a solid rocket booster and a scramjet or ramjet engine. Initially, the solid rocket booster provides the necessary thrust to rapidly accelerate the missile after launch. Once the missile reaches a high speed, the scramjet or ramjet engine takes over, enabling sustained hypersonic velocity by efficiently combusting air at supersonic speeds within the engine. This propulsion combination allows Rudram-IV to maintain speeds above Mach 5, especially in the terminal phase of flight.
The missile follows a quasi-ballistic, low-altitude, maneuverable trajectory, similar to Russia’s Kinzhal missile, which helps it evade radar detection and interception. The sustained hypersonic speed makes it extremely difficult for enemy air defence systems to track and counter. This advanced propulsion setup allows Rudram-IV to strike targets deep inside enemy territory while being launched safely from long-range stand-off distances, typically 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres away.
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The missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory similar to the Russian Kinzhal, allowing it to evade advanced enemy air defences by flying at low altitudes and performing high maneuverability.
It is equipped with sophisticated precision guidance systems including INS-GPS navigation and advanced seekers such as Imaging Infrared (IIR) or passive homing heads, allowing highly accurate targeting of enemy radar, command centres, and fortified installations.
Its warhead is designed as a Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) type to effectively neutralise hardened targets.
It is engineered to be lightweight (around 600-700 kg), enabling deployment from a range of Indian Air Force aircraft including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Rafale, and potentially indigenous fighters like the TEJAS MK-1A and Jaguar upgrades.
The Rudram-IV missile manages the intense thermal loads generated at hypersonic speeds through advanced engineering and materials designed to withstand extreme heat and aerodynamic stress. At speeds exceeding Mach 5, the missile encounters severe heating due to air friction and compression, especially during its high-speed terminal phase.
Management of Thermal Loads At Hypersonic Speeds: Key thermal management approaches likely include:
Use of high-temperature resistant materials and special heat-resistant coatings on the missile’s airframe and leading edges. These materials can absorb and dissipate heat effectively to protect critical components from thermal damage.
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Aerodynamic shaping and design features that minimise heat build-up by managing airflow and shock waves around the missile body. A quasi-ballistic, low-altitude maneuverable flight path reduces exposure time to peak heat zones.
Advanced thermal insulation around sensitive internal systems such as guidance electronics and the warhead ensures their proper functioning despite external high temperatures.
Possible use of active or passive cooling techniques, common in hypersonic missile designs, to further mitigate thermal stresses during flight.
Strategic Impact
The strategic impact of Rudram-IV is substantial. By enabling Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) from great distances, it amplifies the safety and effectiveness of Indian fighter jets during combat missions. Its hypersonic speed makes interception by enemy systems nearly impossible, shifting the balance of military power in South Asia. Furthermore, being over 85% indigenously produced aligns neatly with India’s “Make in India” initiative, enhancing self-reliance and strengthening the domestic defence industrial ecosystem.
Development Timeline
Currently under development with expected trials by 2026-2027, Rudram-IV aims for full operational status around 2028-2030. Its induction will place India among the elite club of nations equipped with operational hypersonic weapons, thus elevating the country’s air-to-surface strike capability to new heights and asserting technological and strategic superiority in the region.
The Rudram-IV missile is not just a weapon but a formidable force multiplier, combining hypersonic speed, long-range precision strike, and advanced anti-radiation technology, all developed indigenously to serve India’s defence needs in the modern era. This missile is poised to revolutionize India’s aerial warfare capabilities and enhance strategic deterrence against potential threats.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
Agency
