DRDO Successfully Demonstrates Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology

During the test, all major subsystems performed as per design expectations. These included the nozzle-less booster, the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet motor, and the Fuel Flow Controller.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology during a flight test conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, at around 10:45 hrs on February 3, 2026.

The successful demonstration places India among a select group of nations possessing this advanced propulsion technology, which is critical for the development of long-range, high-performance air-to-air missiles, providing a significant tactical edge in modern aerial combat.

Successful Performance of Critical Subsystems

During the test, all major subsystems performed as per design expectations. These included the nozzle-less booster, the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet motor, and the Fuel Flow Controller.

After initial acceleration by a ground booster motor to the required Mach number, the SFDR system transitioned smoothly into sustained ramjet-powered flight. The test validated the complex sequence of ignition, fuel flow regulation and combustion stability essential for long-duration, high-speed missile flight.

The system’s performance was confirmed through comprehensive flight data captured by multiple tracking instruments deployed by ITR along the Bay of Bengal coastline, ensuring precise monitoring of trajectory, speed and propulsion parameters.

High-Level Oversight and Scientific Collaboration

The launch was closely monitored by senior scientists from several DRDO laboratories, including:

• Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)

• High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)

• Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

• Integrated Test Range (ITR)

The successful test reflects close coordination across DRDO’s propulsion, materials, avionics and systems integration teams, as well as contributions from Indian industry partners.

Strategic Significance of SFDR Technology

SFDR propulsion enables missiles to maintain high speeds over extended ranges, unlike conventional rocket motors that burn out quickly. This capability significantly enhances missile range, manoeuvrability and engagement envelope, making it particularly suitable for next-generation beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.

The successful demonstration marks a major step toward operationalising indigenous long-range air combat systems and strengthens India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

Leadership Reactions

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and industry partners on the successful demonstration, acknowledging the achievement as a major milestone in India’s defence capability development.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V. Kamat, also commended the teams involved for the successful flight test and their sustained efforts in mastering complex propulsion technologies.

Strengthening Indigenous Defence Capabilities

The SFDR success aligns with India’s broader defence modernisation and Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives, reducing dependence on foreign propulsion systems and enabling the development of advanced missile platforms tailored to the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

With this achievement, India has taken a decisive step forward in enhancing air dominance capabilities and reinforcing its position as a leading defence technology power.