India has marked a significant advancement in defense technology by successfully flight-testing a long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha. The achievement places the country among a select group of nations with such advanced military capabilities.
Key Features of the Hypersonic Missile
- Range: Exceeds 1,500 km, with the ability to carry multiple payloads.
- Speed: Operates at speeds over Mach 5 (6,100 km/h), with advanced designs capable of exceeding Mach 15.
- Versatility: Can carry both conventional explosives and nuclear warheads.
Significance
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a “historic moment” and a “stupendous achievement.”
- The test underscores India’s growing technological edge and military readiness in hypersonic weaponry.
Global Context
- Nations like Russia and China currently lead in hypersonic missile development.
- The United States is actively developing hypersonic weapons, while countries like France, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Israel are advancing their projects.
Indigenous Development
- The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), including the APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
- The trial involved senior scientists, armed forces officers, and tracking systems deployed across multiple domains.
Achievements and Tracking
- The missile successfully demonstrated precise terminal maneuvers and accurate impact.
- Defence Minister Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces, and industry partners for their contributions.
This milestone reinforces India’s defense capabilities, aligning the nation with the global leaders in hypersonic technology and ensuring enhanced security preparedness.