DRDO Successfully Tests SFDR Missile Propulsion Technology

India Achieves Breakthrough in Advanced Missile Propulsion

India has achieved a major technological milestone with the successful demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) .

The achievement significantly strengthens India’s long-range air-to-air missile development programme and enhances the Indian Air Force’s operational edge in high-intensity aerial combat.

Successful Flight Test at Chandipur

The SFDR technology demonstrator was flight-tested on February 3, 2026 , at approximately 10:45 hours , from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur , off the coast of Odisha .

During the test, the missile system was first accelerated to the required supersonic Mach number using a ground booster. After achieving the desired speed, the ramjet propulsion system ignited seamlessly and operated as designed throughout the flight envelope.

Subsystem Performance and Data Validation

All critical subsystems performed as expected, including:

• Nozzle-less booster

• Solid fuel ducted ramjet motor

• Fuel flow controller

Performance was validated through extensive flight data captured by a network of tracking instruments deployed along the Odisha coastline and over the Bay of Bengal .

The test was closely monitored by senior scientists from key DRDO laboratories, including the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and ITR.

Strategic Significance of SFDR Technology

The successful SFDR demonstration places India among a select group of nations possessing this advanced propulsion technology. SFDR systems allow missiles to maintain sustained supersonic speeds over long distances , significantly expanding engagement envelopes.

Such propulsion is especially critical for beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat, where sustained speed, manoeuvrability, and energy retention determine combat superiority. SFDR-based missiles can outperform conventional solid-propellant missiles in long-range aerial engagements.

Important Facts for Exams

• SFDR stands for Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet

• SFDR technology is used in long-range air-to-air missiles

• The Integrated Test Range is located at Chandipur, Odisha

• Ramjet propulsion enables sustained supersonic flight

• India is now among a limited group of countries with SFDR capability

Official Reactions and Way Forward

Rajnath Singh , Raksha Mantri, congratulated DRDO scientists and industry partners for the successful test, describing it as a major boost to India’s defence self-reliance.

The Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO,