India marked a historic achievement with the successful flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on November 16, 2024. The test took place at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast and was lauded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as a “historic moment” that places India among a select group of nations possessing advanced hypersonic technology.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound (Mach 5–25), represent cutting-edge military technology. The tested missile demonstrated the ability to carry various payloads over ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers, enhancing India’s strategic capabilities across its armed services.
The missile was developed by DRDO’s laboratories, including the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO units and industry partners. The successful trial underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology and innovation.
During the test, the missile demonstrated precise maneuverability, advanced avionics, and reliable performance at varying altitudes and speeds. Monitoring systems such as radars, telemetry units, and electro-optical tracking systems ensured comprehensive coverage of the missile’s flight path.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO and the armed forces, stating, “This significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies.” Singh’s statement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized the strategic importance of this advancement for India’s defense preparedness.
This test follows the maiden flight of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), conducted by DRDO on November 12, 2024. The LRLACM test, carried out from a mobile articulated launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, also demonstrated advanced capabilities, including precise navigation and versatile maneuvering.
The successful hypersonic missile test solidifies India’s position in the hypersonic weapons race, joining nations like the United States, Russia, and China. Hypersonic weapons are considered game-changers due to their speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade traditional missile defense systems.
India’s achievement comes at a time when the global focus on hypersonic technology is intensifying, with major powers seeking to develop and deploy such weapons for strategic and tactical advantage.
The success of this test underscores DRDO’s expertise in cutting-edge missile technologies and India’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. As India continues to make strides in military innovation, the hypersonic missile program is expected to bolster the country’s security and strengthen its position as a major global power.
