DRDO Successfully Demonstrates SFDR Missile Technology

India has achieved a major milestone in advanced missile propulsion with the successful demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology by the Defence Research & Development Organisation. The test marks a critical step towards strengthening India’s long-range air-to-air missile capabilities and enhancing its aerial combat edge.

Successful Flight Test at Chandipur

The demonstration was conducted on February 3, 2026, at around 10:45 hrs from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. According to officials, the SFDR system was initially propelled by a ground booster to the required Mach number, after which the ramjet system ignited and operated as designed.

Subsystem Performance and Data Validation

All critical subsystems, including the nozzle-less booster, solid fuel ducted ramjet motor, and fuel flow controller, performed as per expectations. The system’s performance was validated using comprehensive flight data captured by multiple tracking instruments deployed along the Odisha coast over the Bay of Bengal. The test was monitored by senior scientists from key DRDO laboratories such as the Defence Research & Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Research Centre Imarat, and ITR.

Strategic Significance of SFDR Technology

The successful demonstration places India among a select group of nations possessing SFDR technology. This propulsion system enables the development of long-range air-to-air missiles with sustained high-speed performance and greater engagement envelopes, providing a decisive tactical advantage against adversaries. SFDR-based missiles are particularly effective in beyond-visual-range combat scenarios.

Important Facts for Exams

• SFDR stands for Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet.
• SFDR technology is used in long-range air-to-air missiles.
• Integrated Test Range is located at Chandipur, Odisha.
• Ramjet propulsion allows sustained supersonic flight.

Official Reactions and Way Forward

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and industry partners on the successful demonstration. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat also lauded the teams involved. The achievement is expected to accelerate the induction of next-generation air-to-air missiles, further strengthening India’s defence preparedness and indigenous technology base.