(Commonwealth_India) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of India’s long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant technological milestone. The test, which took place from the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, marks a critical advancement in the country’s defense capabilities. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success as a “historic moment,” emphasizing its strategic significance and underscoring India‘s growing strength in advanced military technologies.
Rajnath Singh described the test as a breakthrough that places India in an exclusive group of nations with the ability to develop hypersonic missile technology in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He highlighted the achievement’s importance in enhancing India’s defense deterrence and demonstrating the country’s capabilities in cutting-edge defense systems. “India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. This is a historic moment, and this significant achievement has placed India among a group of select nations with the capabilities to develop such critical and advanced military technologies,” Singh wrote, congratulating DRDO and the armed forces.
The ability of hypersonic missiles to travel from 5 to 25 times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 to Mach 25, significantly transforms modern warfare. These high speeds—ranging from 1 to 5 miles per second—make them exceedingly difficult to intercept using existing missile defense systems. DRDO tested a hypersonic missile with a range of over 1,500 kilometers, capable of carrying a variety of payloads, suitable for deployment across all branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The missile’s design also allows it to perform complex maneuvers during flight, which enhances its evasion capabilities and effectiveness against missile defense systems. These features, combined with their high velocity, make hypersonic weapons an indispensable asset in modern warfare, giving the Indian military a significant strategic edge.
The missile is an example of India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology. Developed by the DRDO’s laboratories, especially the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, the missile’s development was a collaborative effort involving several other DRDO facilities and industry partners. Representatives from the Indian Armed Forces and senior scientists from DRDO were present to monitor and assess the rigorously conducted test.
The Integrated Test Range (ITR) deployed an array of sensors, including radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry devices, at various locations along the missile’s flight path to rigorously track the flight test. This comprehensive tracking system ensured full coverage and precise data collection throughout the test. During the flight, the missile demonstrated its ability to perform a range of maneuvers at varying altitudes and speeds, showcasing its versatility and reliability. The missile’s advanced avionics and software systems played a crucial role in ensuring its stable performance, providing accurate guidance, navigation, and control throughout the test phase. These sophisticated onboard systems are key to the missile’s reliability and effectiveness during operational deployment.
The success of this hypersonic missile test comes just days after the maiden flight test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on November 12, 2024, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. Both the hypersonic missile and the LRLACM are part of India’s broader strategy to develop a technologically advanced, self-reliant defense infrastructure capable of countering emerging threats. The successful development and testing of these high-tech weapons underscore India’s increasing capacity to produce next-generation military systems, further establishing its position as a regional and global power in defense technology.
Looking to the future, DRDO’s ongoing research into hypersonic and other advanced missile technologies is expected to further strengthen India’s defense capabilities, ensuring that the country remains well-equipped to safeguard its strategic interests. With a clear focus on indigenization and technological innovation, DRDO’s success in hypersonic missile development is likely to drive further advancements in India’s defense systems, shaping the future of the country’s military operations. The successful testing of this missile highlights India’s ability to maintain a credible deterrent, both regionally and globally, at a time when geopolitical tensions continue to rise around the world. As these technologies continue to develop, India’s defense preparedness will play a pivotal role in maintaining regional and global stability.
