An image of Indian Air-to-Surface missile ‘Rudram on is making rounds on social media site X(Twitter). By sharing this image, users are alleging that the Indian Air-to-Surface missile ‘Rudram’ has failed to hit the target during flight testing.

A pak-based handle namely Ironclad on X, known for spreading misinformation, has shared this image with the caption: “#BREAKING: Indian Air-to-Surface missile ‘Rudram’ fails to hit the target during flight testing”

Another user also shared the same image and made a similar claim.

Fact-Check

The DFRAC conducted a keyword search regarding the above claim and found a tweet from May 29, 2024 carrying a link of press release by the handle of PIB. As per press release, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha at around 1130 hours on May 29, 2024. The flight-test met all the trial objectives, validating the propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm.

***Source: Screenshot of PIB’s tweet and Press release***

Furthermore, we discovered that multiple media outlets such as NDTV, Firstpost, IndianExpress and Times of India also reported this news with similar facts.

Conclusion

DFRAC’s fact-check clears that the claim of the Indian Air-to-Surface missile ‘Rudram’ failed to hit target is completely false. In reality, the missile successfully has tested by DRDO from Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha coast.

Analysis: Misleading