India joins Elite Club with successful hypersonic missile test
India has achieved a remarkable milestone in defence technology, successfully flight-testing a long-range hypersonic missile off Odisha’s coast.
The test marks a major step in strengthening the nation’s military capabilities and places India among a select group of countries with this advanced technology.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the missile. The missile is capable of carrying various payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a historic moment. He emphasized that this accomplishment elevates India’s standing in the global defence arena.
Hypersonic missiles are designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound.
These weapons are highly manoeuvrable, making them difficult for most air defence systems to intercept.
Some advanced versions can even reach speeds above Mach 15, enhancing their strike capabilities.
Globally, Russia and China are currently leading in hypersonic missile development, while the United States is actively working on similar programs.
Other nations, such as France, Germany, Australia, and Japan, are also pursuing projects in this area.
India’s successful test underscores its growing expertise in this critical technology.
The missile was launched from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island and tracked by multiple systems across different domains.
Downrange ship stations confirmed its precise terminal manoeuvres and high-accuracy impact.
The indigenously developed weapon is a product of collaboration between the DRDO laboratories in Hyderabad and other partners across the defence industry.
Defence Minister Singh congratulated the DRDO, the armed forces, and the industry for their collective efforts.
He highlighted the significance of this achievement in boosting India’s defence preparedness and advancing indigenous technology.
This success represents a major leap in India’s defence innovation, demonstrating its ability to develop cutting-edge weapons systems.
With this accomplishment, India solidifies its position as a leader in military advancements, ensuring its readiness to meet future challenges.
Image Credit: Bin im Garten, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image Reference:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ILA_Berlin_2012_PD_020.JPG
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