India’s first long-range hypersonic missile
Context
Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast.
- This marks India’s entry into an elite group of nations possessing advanced hypersonic missile technology.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Defence and security)
Highlights:
- This missile is designed for ranges exceeding 1,500 km.
- This achievement highlights India’s growing defence capabilities and commitment to indigenous technology development.
About the Hypersonic Missile
- Definition: Hypersonic Missiles are advanced weapons that are designed to fly at extremely high speeds and also at low altitudes, unlike the traditional missile defence systems.
- They also do not follow a fixed, arched trajectory, unlike ballistic missiles. But, however, can change course mid-flight.
- “Hypersonic” refers to speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), equivalent to over 6,100 km/h at sea level.
- However, the DRDO’s long-range hypersonic missile achieved an impressive Mach 6 speed in the trial launch.
- Purpose and Range: Designed for the Armed Forces to carry various payloads across ranges beyond 1,500 km.
- It is developed by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, along with other DRDO labs and industry partners.
- It represents a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
Types of Hypersonic Missiles
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These are launched using rockets and glide towards their target at hypersonic speeds.
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): Powered by air-breathing scramjet engines, HCMs can actively maneuver after identifying their targets.
Advantages of Hypersonic Missiles
- They are swift and can effectively target remote and heavily defended areas and act on real-time, like mobile missile systems.
- They bypass most of the tracking radar systems due to their low-altitude flight paths.
- Positions India among a select group of nations with hypersonic missile capabilities.
- Enhances India’s defence preparedness and technological edge.
Global Developments in Hypersonic Technology
- Russia and China: Leaders in hypersonic missile programs. Russia has already deployed its Kinzhal missiles in combat, such as in Ukraine.
- United States: focused on an extensive hypersonic program, including the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) project, with a $756 million contract awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2024.
- Other Nations: Countries like France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Iran, and Israel are actively investing in hypersonic research and development.
