In a groundbreaking achievement, India successfully conducted a flight test of its long-range hypersonic missile off the Odisha coast, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities. This cutting-edge missile places India among a select group of nations possessing weapons that can strike at extreme speeds and evade most air defense systems.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test, conducted under India’s inaugural long-range hypersonic mission, as a “historic moment” and a “stupendous achievement.” Sharing the news on ‘X,’ Singh emphasized the importance of this success in establishing India as a leader in advanced military technology.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the hypersonic missile is capable of carrying various payloads over a range exceeding 1,500 km. Hypersonic missiles typically travel at speeds over Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, equating to more than 6,174 km per hour. Advanced variants can exceed speeds of Mach 15, offering unparalleled strike capabilities.
The missile was tracked using an array of systems positioned across multiple domains, with data confirming its precision and successful terminal maneuvers. Senior DRDO scientists and armed forces officers oversaw the trial, conducted at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island facility.
This indigenous missile, developed at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, is the result of extensive collaboration between DRDO laboratories and industry partners. The defense ministry noted that this achievement underscores India’s growing self-reliance in cutting-edge defense technologies.
Globally, only a few nations, including Russia, China, and the US, are leading the race in hypersonic missile development. Countries like France, Germany, Japan, and Australia are also actively working on similar projects. India’s successful test demonstrates its commitment to advancing military innovation and strengthening its national security framework.
Defence Minister Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, the armed forces, and industry contributors for this exceptional accomplishment, further solidifying India’s position in the global defense landscape.
