India has achieved a significant milestone in advanced missile technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Odisha coast at around 10:45 AM on February 3, 2026.

With this success, India enters an elite group of nations possessing ramjet-powered missile technology, a critical capability for developing next-generation, long-range air-to-air missiles.

What is Ramjet Technology?

A ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that uses the missile's forward speed to compress incoming air, eliminating the need for complex rotating parts found in conventional jet engines.

In a Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet system, solid fuel burns in a controlled manner as atmospheric air flows through the engine, producing sustained thrust at high speeds. Unlike traditional rocket motors that burn fuel quickly and then coast, ramjet-powered missiles maintain high speeds for extended durations, particularly during the critical final phase of flight.

This makes them faster, more maneuverable, and significantly harder for enemy aircraft to evade.

Test Execution Details

The missile was first accelerated to required speed by a ground-based booster before the ramjet system took over. All subsystems performed as planned, with flight data validating both propulsion and control systems.

Strategic Significance

Ramjet-powered air-to-air missiles can engage targets at significantly longer ranges while retaining high energy during terminal phase, giving fighter aircraft decisive advantage in beyond-visual-range combat.

The achievement reduces India's dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening indigenous defence capabilities and enhancing Indian Air Force combat effectiveness.