RudraM-3 and Su-30MKI: India's Airpower Duo to Give Enemies Sky-High Nightmares

The integration of RudraM-3 with the Su-30MKIs–Indian Air Force's (IAF) mainstay–would be a virtual nightmare for India's enemies, experts told Sputnik India.

The Su-30MKI is the most versatile air platform in the IAF's fighter jet fleet, which is used for multi-role operations as it can be used for air defence purposes as well as carry out strikes on ground targets, making the survivability of this aircraft extremely vital for the country, retired Group Captain DK Pandey stated.

"For that reason, the IAF wanted a missile that could protect the Su-30MKIs from the enemy's air defences from long ranges and that's where the RudraM-3 comes in. This missile is a significant milestone in India's missile development journey. It not only enhances the country's indigenous capabilities in this area but also increases the lethality of the nation's air power," he told Sputnik India on Thursday.

He mentioned that the RudraM series has evolved in a short time-frame; while the RudraM-1 had a range of about 150 km, its successor RudraM-2 could hit targets as far as 300 km, which has now been extended to a range of 550-600 km with the RudraM-3.

This significant jump in the missile's range permits the Su-30MKIs to destroy the adversary's air defence well before entering their airspace, further bolstering the survivability of the aircraft, Pandey emphasised.

"Also, because the RudraM-3 is a hypersonic missile that travels at a speed of Mach 5-6, neutralising it becomes nearly impossible, as India's regional rivals lack the resources [air defence systems] to overcome such an aerial challenge. Hence, the combination of Su-30MKIs and RudraM-3 is a virtual nightmare for any military formation, as it arms the 'air beast' with an untraceable missile," he underlined.

By integrating the RudraM-3, the Su-30MKI becomes even more versatile, capable of striking various high-value targets such as bunkers, runways, and aircraft shelters, Girish Linganna, a Bengaluru-based defence and aviation expert told Sputnik India.

The missile's hypersonic speed and agility make it extremely difficult for enemy air defences to intercept, increasing the chances of a successful mission, he pointed out.

"Rudram-3 is equipped with an advanced guidance system, combining inertial navigation and satellite-based support, ensuring high accuracy even in heavily defended areas. Additionally, its ability to carry a large warhead allows it to destroy fortified targets, making it a key asset for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences [SEAD] missions," Linganna underscored.

This integration also reflects India's push for self-reliance in military technology. By developing and deploying indigenous weapon systems, the country reduces its dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening its domestic defence industry, the expert said. The move aligns with the broader goal of promoting local manufacturing and technological advancements, as asserted by the military commentator.

"Overall, adding the RudraM-3 to the IAF's arsenal significantly boosts India's air combat strength, providing a strategic edge in addressing emerging threats," Linganna concluded.

Defenсe News

Find Out Why India's Deal For Malaysia's Su-30s Holds Great Potential

20 February, 21:03