DRDO Successfully Fires Hypersonic Missile, Extending India’s Strike Capability Beyond 1,500 km

Odisha, India - In a landmark achievement for India's defence capabilities, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight trial of country’s first long-range hypersonic missile. test was carried out from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast late on November 16, 2024, marking a significant leap in vanced missile technology. 

hypersonic missile, capable of carrying various paylos for ranges exceeding 1,500 km, demonstrated exceptional performance during its trial. It was tracked by a network of range systems deployed across multiple domains, ensuring comprehensive data collection. Downrange ship stations confirmed successful terminal maneuvers and a precise impact, showcasing a high degree of accuracy.

missile has been indigenously developed at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderab, in collaboration with several DRDO laboratories and industry partners. Senior scientists from DRDO and officers of Armed Forces witnessed test, underscoring its strategic importance. 

Leers Applaud Milestone Achievement 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed successful test as a "historic achievement" in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting India's entry into elite club of nations capable of developing hypersonic missile technology. Singh extended congratulations to DRDO, Armed Forces, and industry collaborators for ir contributions.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, praised mission team, stating that achievement exemplifies India's growing self-reliance in cutting-edge military technology. 

Understanding Hypersonic Missile Technology 

Hypersonic missiles, defined by speeds greater than Mach 5—five times speed of sound—represent pinnacle of modern weaponry. Unlike tritional ballistic missiles that follow a fixed trajectory, hypersonic missiles are capable of maneuvering during flight, making m extremely difficult to detect and intercept.

se weapons, which operate at lower altitudes than ballistic missiles, eve many conventional missile defense systems. ir ability to alter course mid-flight enhances ir effectiveness against high-value and time-sensitive targets. Hypersonic missiles rely on kinetic energy generated by ir immense speed for impact, enabling m to strike both surface and underground targets with devastating precision. 

India's Position in Global Hypersonic Race 

Globally, nations like US, Russia, and China are leing race in hypersonic missile development. Russia notably claimed to have deployed its Kinzhal hypersonic missiles during Ukraine conflict in 2022, targeting an underground ammunition depot. 

India’s successful trial places it firmly in global hypersonic race. capability is expected to bolster nation's deterrence posture and enhance strategic strike options against long-range, high-value threats. 

Hypersonic missiles are viewed as transformational in warfare, providing responsive and long-range strike options against defended or time-critical targets. ir development reflects a broer trend in military technology emphasizing speed, precision, and evasion.