India is set to make a major leap in its strike capabilities with the development of the Rudram-4 hypersonic air-to-surface missile, a cutting-edge project by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The missile, capable of flying at speeds above Mach-5 (over 6,000 km/h) with a strike range of 1,000–1,500 km, will significantly enhance the offensive reach of the Indian Air Force (IAF), particularly its frontline fighter Sukhoi-30MKI. The range brings nearly all of Pakistan and parts of western China within potential targeting distance.
Hypersonic Edge
According to defence experts, Rudram-4’s extreme velocity makes it almost immune to interception by traditional radar and missile defence systems. Enemy forces would have only seconds to react, giving the missile an exceptionally high probability of a successful strike.
Built on DRDO’s earlier Rudram series of anti-radiation missiles, the Rudram-4 goes beyond Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions to include Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), capable of neutralising radars, bunkers, and command-and-control centres deep inside enemy territory.
Advanced Propulsion & Guidance
- Hybrid propulsion: Dual-stage system with solid rocket boosters for launch, followed by a scramjet/ramjet engine for sustained hypersonic cruise.
- Precision navigation: Inertial Navigation System (INS), GPS updates, and an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for pinpoint accuracy, even under heavy electronic jamming.
- Strike range: 300 to 1,500 km, making it a true long-range stand-off weapon.
Multi-Platform Deployment
Weighing just 600–700 kg, the Rudram-4 is light enough for carriage on multiple platforms. Integration trials are planned not only for the Su-30MKI but also potentially for the Mirage-2000 and Rafale, giving the IAF flexible strike options.
Strategic Significance
The missile will complement India’s BrahMos supersonic missile and the future BrahMos-II hypersonic system, building a multi-layered strike capability. Analysts note the development is partly aimed at countering China’s deployment of advanced Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
This programme draws on technologies validated through DRDO’s Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) and ongoing scramjet engine research. While the induction timeline remains classified, prototype testing is expected in the coming years.
A Force Multiplier
Defence analysts say the Rudram-4 is not just another missile but a force multiplier that will redefine the IAF’s strike power. Its combination of speed, range, precision, and survivability positions India among the few nations—alongside the U.S., Russia, and China—developing operational hypersonic systems.
