The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island near the Odisha coast on Saturday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed this achievement as a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities.
Singh described the successful test as a historic moment, placing India among an elite group of nations with access to such advanced military technologies.
The hypersonic missile is capable of carrying multiple payloads and has a range of over 1,500 km, making it a powerful asset for all branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
India Successfully Tests First Hypersonic Missile
India has successfully conducted a flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile, significantly enhancing the nation’s military capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the achievement on Sunday, emphasizing that the missile can carry diverse payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km, serving the needs of the armed forces.
This milestone places India among a select group of nations equipped with such advanced and critical military technology. Rajnath Singh described it as a “historic moment” and commended the efforts, stating that this breakthrough demonstrates India’s growing technological prowess in defence.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which conducted the test on Saturday night, confirmed the missile’s success through data from range systems deployed across multiple domains. These systems tracked the flight, with down-range ship stations validating the missile’s precision terminal manoeuvres and impact accuracy.
The missile was indigenously developed by DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO labs and industry partners. Senior DRDO scientists and Armed Forces representatives witnessed the successful trial, marking a significant step forward in India’s defence readiness.
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Importance of Hypersonic Missiles
Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapons designed to travel at speeds of at least five times the speed of sound, ranging from 6,125 km/h (Mach 5) to 24,140 km/h (Mach 20). Their exceptional speed makes them highly challenging to detect and intercept, giving them a strategic edge in modern warfare.
These missiles come in two main types: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles.
- HGVs are launched using rocket boosters, much like ballistic missiles. Once they reach a specific altitude, the glide vehicle detaches and maneuvers mid-air to evade interception while heading toward its target.
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles use scramjet engines to maintain their speed throughout the flight. They operate at lower altitudes and are also capable of sharp maneuvers, further enhancing their effectiveness.
India’s advancements in hypersonic missile technology highlight its growing defense capabilities. However, this development faces significant challenges, including managing extreme heat generated at high speeds, creating precise guidance systems, and improving detection and interception methods.
Hypersonic missiles have the potential to redefine military strategies worldwide. Their unmatched speed, agility, and range can shorten response times and render traditional missile defense systems less effective, revolutionizing the future of warfare.
How Hypersonic Missiles Work
Launch and Acceleration
Hypersonic missiles are launched using rocket boosters. For glide vehicles, the rocket propels the missile to a high altitude before detaching. At this point, the missile accelerates to hypersonic speeds. In the case of cruise missiles, scramjet engines handle this process by compressing incoming air, mixing it with fuel, and generating combustion at supersonic speeds.
Unpredictable Trajectory
Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow a fixed path, hypersonic missiles can change course mid-flight. This maneuverability makes their trajectory highly unpredictable, posing a significant challenge to interception systems. Glide vehicles rely on aerodynamic lift to glide toward their target, while cruise missiles maintain their speed and direction using advanced propulsion systems.
Precision and Versatility
Hypersonic missiles combine incredible speed with agility to strike targets with remarkable precision. They can be equipped with either conventional or nuclear warheads, making them adaptable for various strategic missions.
Global Development Efforts
India is among the nations advancing hypersonic missile technology. Other leading countries, such as the United States, Russia, and China, are also heavily invested in developing these cutting-edge weapons to enhance their defense capabilities.
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FAQs
Q.1. What are hypersonic missiles?
Ans. These are advanced weapons that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (5 times the speed of sound), offering unmatched speed, maneuverability, and precision in modern warfare.
Q.2. What is the range of India’s hypersonic missile?
Ans. India’s missile has a range of over 1,500 km, making it a strategic asset for the nation’s defense forces.
Q.3. How do hypersonic missiles differ from ballistic missiles?
Ans. Unlike ballistic missiles, these missiles can maneuver mid-flight, making their trajectory unpredictable and harder to intercept.
Q.4. Who developed India’s hypersonic missile?
Ans. India’s hypersonic missile was developed indigenously by the DRDO in collaboration with industry partners and DRDO labs.
Q.5. Which countries are advancing hypersonic missile technology?
Ans. Leading countries like the United States, Russia, China, and India are actively pursuing hypersonic missile development for enhanced defense capabilities.
