(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

(FEBRUARY-2026)

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out successful demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology:

It is an advanced air-breathing propulsion system using a solid fuel gas generator.

Working:

It uses solid Fuel instead of liquid fuel that makes the system simpler, safer, and easier to store and transport.
Unlike conventional rockets, SFDR does not carry an oxidiser, making it lighter and more efficient.
SFDR provides sustained thrust over a longer duration and allows thrust modulation during flight.
The SFDR system allows missiles to fly faster, farther and remain manoeuvrable throughout their flight, unlike conventional rocket-powered missiles.
It has been developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

Significance of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

It significantly enhances long-range air-to-air missiles by providing sustained propulsion throughout much of the missile’s flight.
It places India into an elite league of nations possessing this technology that enables developing long-range air-to-air missiles to give tactical edge over the adversaries.