RUDRAM-II (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: India recently conducted a successful flight test of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from the Su-30 MK-I platform. 

RudraM-II Air-to-Surface missile

• About: It is an indigenously developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system.
• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation
• Missile Type: It is an Air-to-Surface missile designed to neutralize various types of enemy assets.
• Strategic Importance: This development marks a crucial advancement in India's indigenously-developed missile technology.
• Tracking Instruments: Range tracking instruments, including electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations, were used to capture the data.
• Deployment Locations: These tracking instruments were deployed at various locations, including on-board ships.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• About: It is dedicated to empowering India with cutting-edge defence technologies. Its mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.
• Formation: Established in 1958 through the amalgamation of existing entities, including the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP).
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence.
• Focus: DRDO operates a network of laboratories spanning aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.