On November 17, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile. Launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, this indigenously developed missile is capable of carrying multiple payloads and boasts a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers, significantly boosting India’s defence capabilities.
A Milestone Achievement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the historic moment on X (formerly Twitter):
“India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile… This significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations possessing such critical and advanced military technologies.”
The missile was developed by DRDO’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO labs and industry partners.
Understanding Hypersonic Missiles
Hypersonic missiles are cutting-edge weapons that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound or over a mile per second). Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, they are highly maneuverable and capable of evading conventional missile defence systems.
Types of Hypersonic Missiles
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs):
- Launched on rockets and glide to their targets.
- Use aerodynamic lift for greater maneuverability.
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs):
- Powered by scramjet engines.
- Sustain hypersonic speeds throughout flight.
The ability to change course mid-flight makes these weapons exceptionally hard to detect and intercept, providing a strategic edge in modern warfare.
Global Significance and Competition
Hypersonic technology is considered a game-changer in defence, offering long-range, rapid-strike capabilities against high-priority targets.
- Russia: Claimed deployment of hypersonic weapons, such as the Kinzhal system, in the Ukraine conflict.
- United States: Actively advancing hypersonic systems, including the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) under a $756 million contract with Lockheed Martin.
- China: Aggressively developing hypersonic glide and cruise systems.
Other nations, including France, Germany, Japan, Israel, and Australia, are also pursuing hypersonic programs.
Engineering and Operational Challenges
Despite their advantages, hypersonic missiles present significant challenges:
- Heat Resistance:
- Extreme speeds generate intense heat, requiring advanced materials like carbon composites and heat-resistant alloys.
- Maneuverability:
- Real-time navigation and communication systems must withstand hypersonic conditions.
- Cost:
- Hypersonic systems are significantly more expensive than ballistic missiles, limiting widespread adoption.
India’s Strategic Leap
This successful test underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, marking a crucial step in strengthening its strategic deterrence capabilities. By joining an elite group of nations with hypersonic technology, India has reinforced its position as a leader in modern defence innovation.
With this milestone, India is better equipped to address emerging security challenges, ensuring national security in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
