India responds to China’s J-20 posturing with indigenous ‘supersonic death’, inspired by Russian Kh-31PD missile

Amid escalating tensions along the Sikkim border, where China has deployed its formidable J-20 stealth fighters, India has unleashed its own sonic fury. In a defiant display of indigenous prowess, the nation successfully test-fired its RudraM-II air-to-ground missile, taking inspiration from Russia’s deadly Kh-31PD, affectionately known as ‘Supersonic Death’.

The RudraM-II, an indigenously developed solid-propelled missile system designed to neutralize various enemy assets, was flight tested from an Indian Air Force Su-30MK-I platform off the coast of the Odisha coast.

This successful test confirms the RudraM-II as an important force multiplier for the armed forces, primarily as an air-launched air defense weapon to target land and naval threats.

The flight test achieved all trial objectives, validating the propulsion system and the control and guidance algorithm. The missile’s performance was verified using flight data captured by range tracking instruments, including electro-optical systems, radars and telemetry stations, deployed by the Chandipur Integrated Test Range, at various locations, including a ship on board, according to the official announcement.

The indigenously developed RudraM-II air-to-surface missile was successfully flight tested from the Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha coast today. The flight test achieved all trial objectives, validating the propulsion system, control and guidance algorithm.@DefenceMinIndia @MoDSpokesperson pic.twitter.com/xEYxhckQTZ

– DRDO (@DRDO_India) May 29, 2024

Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., the RudraM-II is the latest addition to the country’s burgeoning missile arsenal Indians.

The series of development of these missiles began around eight years ago, with future tests and introductions planned to improve the air superiority and tactical capabilities of the IAF.

With plans to integrate the RudraM-II into India’s cutting-edge fighter jets, including the Tejas, AMCA and TEDBF, the country’s air power is poised to reach unprecedented heights. These missiles are also compatible with MiG-29, Mirage, Jaguar and Sukhoi aircraft, providing formidable deterrence against potential adversaries.

China’s ‘mighty dragon’ spreads its wings

In a move that raised eyebrows across the region, China flexed its military might by deploying its fearsome J-20 stealth fighters at Shigatse, an airbase located just a stone’s throw from the disputed Sikkim border.

Just a day before India’s triumphant test of the RudraM-II missile, reports emerged of a “Mighty Dragon” taking up position just 290 kilometers from Hasimara, West Bengal, where the second squadron stands guard Indian 16 Rafale.

The J-20, a fifth-generation twin-jet all-weather stealth fighter developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, is a cutting-edge marvel designed for air superiority and precision strikes. With its advanced stealth capabilities and formidable weaponry, the J-20 represents the spearhead of China’s current military modernization efforts.

As the world watches tensions escalate along the Sikkim border, where China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” lurks dangerously, India’s successful test of the RudraM-II sends a resounding message: the nation is ready to trigger its own “supersonic death”. ‘

RudraM-II echoes Russia’s ‘supersonic death’

Taking inspiration from the formidable Russian Kh-31PD missile, the RudraM-II presents itself as India’s deadly response to the threat of enemy air defenses.

The Kh-31PD, dubbed “Supersonic Death” by Russian pilots for its blazing speed and devastating counter-attack capabilities, has proven to be a scourge on the battlefields of Ukraine, with a staggering success rate of 98% over several dozen launches.

In 2001, India acquired Kh-31 missiles, including 60 Kh-31A and 90 Kh-31P variants, for its Su-30MKI fighter jets. More recently, in July 2019, there were reports of India’s acquisition of additional Kh-31 missiles, likely the more powerful D variant, further cementing its commitment to this Russian-built and world-proven platform. fight.

With the Indian Navy and Air Force using these deadly Soviet-era missiles, India has demonstrated its unwavering resolve to strengthen its defensive capabilities against potential threats. The successful test of the indigenous RudraM-II not only echoes the lethality of the Kh-31PD, but also marks an important step towards self-reliance, reducing India’s dependence on foreign weaponry.

Silent Stalkers: ARMs trigger precision killing

Anti-radiation missiles (ARMs) like India’s RudraM-II and Russia’s Kh-31PD are silent trackers designed to detect, track and neutralize enemy radio frequency sources, including radars and communications assets, with surgical precision. Using a lethal combination of satellite GPS, inertial navigation systems and passive homing warheads, these missiles can precisely strike targets even if the radiation source is turned off during the engagement.

The RudraM-II and Kh-31PD share the ability to decimate enemy air defense systems, airfields, bunkers and weapons depots with devastating effects.

While the Kh-31PD has a range of 250 km and a warhead of 110 kg, launched from altitudes of up to 15 km using a scramjet with an integrated booster, India’s RudraM-II leaves a footprint just as wonderful.

This local wonder weighs 200 kg and rushes towards its target at a blazing speed of Mach 5.5 at launch altitudes between 3 and 15 km. Powered by a solid propellant rocket engine and guided by inertial and satellite navigation, the RudraM-II’s 300 km range makes it a force to be reckoned with.

Designed to destroy medium- and long-range SAM system radars, air operations control radars, and early warning radars, these ARMs are the silent harbingers of precise death from above, spreading fear throughout the world. the hearts of adversaries and strengthening the defensive capabilities of the nation.

The road ahead

The Russian Kh-31 series, in service since 1988 and owned by countries including Serbia, China, Algeria and Egypt alongside Russia and India, is about to be upgraded. level. Moscow aims to transform the Kh-31 into an “AWACS killer” – a long-range air-to-air missile capable of neutralizing airborne early warning and control systems.

Not to be outdone, Indian show RudraM is rapidly spreading its sonic fury. While the RudraM-1 focuses on suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD), advanced variants like the RudraM-2 and RudraM-3 are under development, offering extended ranges of 350 km and 550 km, respectively. . Conceived almost eight years ago, the induction of these indigenous missiles is expected to further enhance the air superiority and tactical capabilities of the IAF.

In this high-stakes geopolitical chess game, India’s successful test of the RudraM-II missile constitutes a decisive move against potential adversaries. This local marvel, resulting from India’s abandonment of its dependence on foreign arms, marks an important step towards autonomy and deterrence. As the sonic arms race intensifies, India’s missile program keeps the nation at the forefront of air dominance.

• Shubhangi Palve is a defense and aerospace journalist. Before joining the EurAsian Times, she worked for ET Prime. In this capacity, she focused on covering defense strategies and the defense sector from a financial perspective. She offers over 15 years of in-depth experience in the media industry, spanning print, electronic and online.
• Contact the author at shubhapalve (at) gmail (dot) com