Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the achievement, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “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 put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies.”
The missile was developed indigenously by DRDO’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, in collaboration with several other DRDO labs and industry partners.
What Are Hypersonic Missiles?
Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapons capable of speeds greater than Mach 5—five times the speed of sound, equivalent to over a mile per second. These weapons are distinct from traditional ballistic missiles due to their ability to maneuver during flight.
Two primary types of hypersonic weapons include:
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These are launched on rockets and glide to their targets, using aerodynamic lift for maneuverability.
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): Powered by air-breathing scramjet engines, these missiles sustain hypersonic speeds throughout their flight.
The key advantage of hypersonic missiles lies in their ability to evade conventional missile defence systems. Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a fixed trajectory, hypersonic missiles can alter their course, making them significantly harder to detect and intercept.
Strategic Significance and Global Race
Hypersonic weapons are viewed as game-changers in modern warfare. According to General John Hyten, former Commander of US Strategic Command, these weapons enable “responsive, long-range strike options against distant, defended, or time-critical threats (such as road-mobile missiles) when other forces are unavailable, denied access, or not preferred.”
Conventional hypersonic weapons rely solely on kinetic energy—generated by their high speed—for impact. They are effective against both surface and underground targets. A 2023 research briefing by the UK Parliament noted, “They fly at lower altitudes than ballistic missiles, which means that they may be harder to track at long distances with some surface-based sensors, such as certain radar.”
Globally, countries like the US, Russia, and China are leading in hypersonic missile development. Russia claimed to have deployed hypersonic missiles during its conflict with Ukraine in 2022. “The Kinzhal aviation missile system with hypersonic aeroballistic missiles destroyed a large underground warehouse containing missiles and aviation ammunition in the village of Deliatyn in the Ivano-Frankivsk region,” Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov stated.
The US is actively pursuing hypersonic technology under an ambitious program. Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin received a $756 million contract to advance the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system. Other countries, including France, Germany, Japan, Israel, and Australia, are also working on hypersonic missile systems.
Challenges in Hypersonic Missile Development
Despite their advantages, hypersonic weapons present significant engineering and operational challenges. According to Lockheed Martin, the high speed generates intense heat due to friction, requiring advanced materials like carbon composites and heat-resistant alloys. Additionally, their maneuverability demands precise navigation and real-time communication systems, which are difficult to maintain during hypersonic flight.
The cost of developing these systems is another concern. Hypersonic missiles are considerably more expensive than ballistic missiles, making their widespread adoption challenging for many nations.
India’s Growing Defence Capabilities
India’s successful hypersonic missile test marks a significant leap in defence technology, placing it among the world’s leading nations in advanced weaponry. The indigenous development of this missile underscores the country’s commitment to technological self-reliance.
By mastering hypersonic technology, India has not only enhanced its strategic deterrence capabilities but also strengthened its position in the global defence landscape. This achievement demonstrates the nation’s ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of modern warfare.
