India achieved a significant breakthrough in defence technology with the successful flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday. The test took place at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast and was hailed as a “historic moment” by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
A Leap in Defence Capabilities
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the achievement, stating that the test places India among a select group of nations with advanced hypersonic missile capabilities. “This significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies,” Singh wrote on X. He also congratulated the DRDO and the armed forces for their collective effort.
The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted a flight trial of its long range hypersonic missile on 16th Nov 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry for successful flight… pic.twitter.com/wq7yM2YS9f
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) November 17, 2024
The missile, indigenously developed by the DRDO’s laboratories, including the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, can reportedly carry various payloads over ranges exceeding 1,500 km. This makes it a versatile asset for all branches of India’s armed forces.
Features of the Hypersonic Missile
Hypersonic missiles are characterised by their speed, travelling between 5 to 25 times the speed of sound, equivalent to 1 to 5 miles per second. Such capabilities allow them to evade traditional missile defence systems while maintaining precision.
This latest missile incorporates advanced avionics and software to enhance its reliability and operational effectiveness. It is also equipped to execute complex manoeuvres at varying altitudes and speeds. During the flight trial, the missile’s performance was monitored using a comprehensive array of sensors, including radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems.
DRDO’s Recent Achievements
This milestone follows another significant test by DRDO on November 12, when it conducted the maiden flight of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The LRLACM, launched from a mobile articulated platform, also demonstrated its capability to perform multiple manoeuvres and met all primary mission objectives.
These tests underscore India’s growing proficiency in developing advanced weaponry to enhance national security and strengthen its strategic position globally.