DRDO and IAF Test RudraM-II Missile

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Air Force conducted flight tests of the indigenous RudraM-II air-to-surface missile on 2 June 2026. The missile was launched from an IAF Su-30MKI fighter jet and engaged a predefined target after release.

RudraM-II Missile System

RudraM-II is an indigenously developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system. It is designed for air-to-surface strike missions against enemy assets and for precision-strike roles.

Test Conditions and Validation

The missile was tested under extreme release conditions and a critical trajectory. Flight data from range instruments at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, validated the performance of all critical subsystems.

Development and Institutional Framework

Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, served as the nodal DRDO laboratory for the missile programme. The development involved other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.

Important Facts for Exams

• RudraM-II is an air-to-surface missile, which means it is launched from an aircraft and used against targets on land or at sea.
• Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.
• Integrated Test Range at Chandipur is a major missile testing facility in Odisha.
• DRDO is India’s premier defence research organisation under the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Ministry Context

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, defence public sector undertakings, and industry partners for the test. Aatmanirbharta is a policy term used in India for self-reliance in strategic sectors.