India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the country’s first hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha. The test, conducted on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, marks a crucial advancement in India’s military capabilities.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 5—five times the speed of sound—represent a significant leap in missile technology. These weapons are not only fast but also highly maneuverable, allowing them to bypass existing air defence systems. Their ability to change course mid-flight makes them incredibly difficult to track and intercept.
INDIA’S HYPERSONIC MISSILE: A GAME CHANGER
The newly tested hypersonic missile can carry a variety of payloads and boasts a range of over 1,500 kilometers. This long-range ability enhances India’s strategic position in the region. Countries like the United States and China have been racing to develop similar technology. India’s successful test has placed it in an elite group of nations. These nations have the ability to deploy such advanced systems.
A MILESTONE FOR INDIA’S DEFENCE
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the successful test as a historic achievement. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile. 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.”
HYPERSONIC MISSILES: TYPES AND ADVANTAGES
Hypersonic missiles fall into two categories:
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These are launched atop rockets and glide to their targets, using aerodynamic lift for maneuverability.
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): These use air-breathing scramjet engines, allowing them to sustain hypersonic speeds throughout their flight.
The primary advantage of hypersonicmissiles lies in their ability to evade traditional missile defence systems. Ballistic missiles follow a predictable, fixed trajectory. In contrast, hypersonicmissiles can alter their flight path. This ability makes them significantly harder to detect and intercept by existing defense mechanisms.
GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS OF INDIA’S HYPERSONIC CAPABILITY
India’s successful test adds another layer of sophistication to its defense arsenal and enhances its deterrence capabilities. The development of hypersonicmissile technology is a major milestone for India. This achievement is significant not just for its military. It also impacts India’s geopolitical position.
