India has successfully tested its first domestically developed long-range hypersonic missile, marking a historic milestone in military technology.
The test places India among a select group of nations, including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, that possess hypersonic capabilities.
The missile, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was tested on Saturday off the coast of Odisha from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
According to the Defence Ministry, the missile is designed to carry payloads over a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers.
“A Historic Moment for India”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a groundbreaking step in India’s defense capabilities.
“This is a historic moment,” Singh stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the successful test reflects India’s growing prowess in advanced military technologies.
“This significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations with such critical and advanced technologies,” he added.
The missile’s performance was confirmed through precise data, which validated its terminal maneuvers and high-accuracy impact.
Hypersonic: The New Frontier in Defense
Hypersonic missiles represent the cutting edge of military technology, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach-5, or five times the speed of sound.
Unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles are highly maneuverable, making them harder to detect and intercept.
There are two main types of hypersonic systems: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs).
HGVs are launched using rockets before gliding to their targets, while HCMs use scramjet engines for sustained high-speed flight.
The new missile adds a powerful tool to India’s arsenal, enhancing its ability to address time-sensitive and heavily defended threats.
The Global Race for Hypersonic Supremacy
India’s entry into the hypersonic weapons club comes as global powers race to develop and deploy these game-changing systems.
Russia and China are widely regarded as leaders in hypersonic technology, with Russia claiming to have used hypersonic missiles in combat during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The United States is also heavily invested in hypersonic technology, with the Pentagon allocating significant resources to its Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) program.
Countries like France, Germany, Australia, and Japan are also pursuing hypersonic development, recognizing its strategic importance.
Challenges in Hypersonic Development
While hypersonic weapons offer unparalleled advantages, their development comes with significant challenges.
The extreme speeds generate intense heat due to air resistance, requiring advanced materials to withstand the temperatures.
Precise maneuverability at such high speeds adds another layer of complexity, as does maintaining reliable communication during flight.
Despite these hurdles, India’s successful test demonstrates its growing expertise in overcoming these technological barriers.
