New Delhi: In a major step forward in the global arms race for hypersonic weapons, India has successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, capable of maneuvering mid-flight and traveling at speeds over five times the speed of sound—Mach 6. This new missile is designed to outpace enemy missile defense systems, making it a formidable addition to India’s military capabilities.
The test took place on Saturday at 6:55 PM from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. The missile, which can carry various payloads and has a range of over 1,500 kilometers, was described as a “successful flight test” by a defense ministry official. The missile’s high-speed flight was monitored by a series of tracking systems, and the data confirmed the successful execution of terminal maneuvers and precise impact.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as “a historic moment and a stupendous achievement,” emphasizing that the successful trial positions India alongside a select group of nations with the technological capability to develop advanced military systems. Former DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) chairman G. Satheesh Reddy called the missile “a gamechanger,” adding that its hypersonic speed would give India a decisive edge across multiple military branches—Army, Navy, and Air Force.
While the missile’s speed and maneuverability, similar to that of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile, represent a major technological leap, it will undergo further testing and fine-tuning over the next few years before mass production and deployment. The naval variant is expected to be particularly effective in targeting enemy warships at long distances with pinpoint accuracy.
Hypersonic weapons, which can defeat traditional missile and air defense systems due to their extreme speed, high maneuverability, and ability to fly at low altitudes, have become a major focus for military powers worldwide. These weapons come in two primary forms: air-breathing cruise missiles, powered by “scramjets” throughout their flight, and “glide vehicles,” which are launched atop ballistic missiles before gliding toward their targets at speeds above Mach 5.
China and Russia currently lead in developing hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. In July 2021, China shocked the global community with a test of a nuclear-capable missile featuring a hypersonic glide vehicle.
India’s hypersonic journey began with the test of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) in June 2019, which, while unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for future developments. A follow-up test in September 2020 saw partial success, with the scramjet-powered cruise vehicle reaching Mach 6 for a brief duration after separating from an Agni-1 ballistic missile. Further trials are expected, with India looking to extend the duration and refine the system.
In parallel, there were discussions about developing a hypersonic version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which currently travels at Mach 2.8 and has a range of 450 km. However, this would be a costly venture and is not currently in the works, according to officials.
The global race for hypersonic weapons is intensifying, with the development of these advanced systems offering significant strategic advantages in future warfare.
