Screenshot of a video clip showing the test-firing of the missile.
New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organization has successfully conducted a test-flight of an indigenously developed long-range hypersonic missile. The test was carried out on late Saturday evening from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast.
The DRDO has successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, the defence ministry said.
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The missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges over 1,500km for all the three services.
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The successful test-firing of the long-range hypersonic missile marks India’s entry into an exclusive group of nations possessing advanced hypersonic missile technology. The missile, which boasts a range exceeding 1,500 kilometres, demonstrated remarkable capabilities during the test, travelling at speeds several times that of sound.
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, lauded the achievement on X. Terming it a “historic moment” for the nation, he said: “This significant milestone positions India among a select group of nations with such sophisticated military capabilities.”
Singh also extended his congratulations to the DRDO, armed forces, and industry partners involved in the project.
The breakthrough comes as a result of extensive research and development efforts spearheaded by laboratories at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. These facilities worked in close collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and numerous industry partners across the country, which exemplifies the success of India’s indigenous defence-manufacturing programme.
What sets this missile apart is its ability to travel at hypersonic speeds – between five and 25 times the speed of sound – equivalent to approximately one to five miles per second. This exceptional velocity, combined with its sophisticated manoeuvrability at various altitudes, makes the missile extremely difficult to detect and intercept by conventional defence systems.
The development holds particular significance for India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. The missile’s advanced features, including state-of-the-art avionics and software systems, enable it to carry various types of payloads, substantially enhancing its military utility across all branches of the Indian armed forces – Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
The test was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and representatives from the armed forces, who monitored various parameters throughout the missile’s flight.
The successful test-firing of the indigenously made hypersonic not only enhances India’s military capabilities but also sends a strong message about the country’s technological prowess in the global arena. The development of such sophisticated military technology also reflects India’s growing confidence and capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, this advancement in hypersonic technology positions India as a significant player in the international defence landscape.
