DRDO’s Hypersonic Glide Missile Makes Republic Day Debut

India’s defense modernisation was on full display at the 77th Republic Day parade with the debut of an advanced hypersonic missile system. Developed indigenously, the new weapon reflects India’s growing technological depth in high-speed precision warfare and highlights the emphasis on strengthening maritime security in an evolving strategic environment.

Why in News?

At the 77th Republic Day parade, Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased its hypersonic glide missile system, the LR-AShM, along with its launcher, marking its first public appearance.

What Is the LR-AShM Missile System?

• The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) is a hypersonic glide missile developed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
• Hypersonic glide vehicles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, following a low and manoeuvrable trajectory that makes detection and interception extremely difficult.
• The system is designed for land-based deployment, allowing rapid response against hostile naval assets approaching India’s coastline.

Key Features of the Hypersonic Glide Missile

• The LR-AShM combines high speed, precision, and survivability.
• Its hypersonic speed drastically reduces reaction time for adversaries.
• The glide vehicle’s manoeuvrability enables it to evade modern air defence systems.
• The missile is optimised for anti-ship roles, capable of engaging high-value naval targets with high accuracy.
• Being indigenously developed, it strengthens self-reliance under India’s defence indigenisation push.

Strategic Significance for the Indian Navy

• The induction of the LR-AShM will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s coastal defence and sea-denial capabilities.
• It provides the Navy with a powerful tool to deter hostile naval movements in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Deployed as part of coastal batteries, the system strengthens India’s ability to protect critical maritime infrastructure, ports, and sea lanes while reinforcing deterrence against technologically advanced adversaries.

Hypersonic Weapons and Modern Warfare

• Hypersonic weapons represent a transformative shift in modern warfare due to their speed, unpredictability, and precision.
• Only a handful of countries currently possess operational hypersonic capabilities.
• India’s progress in this domain places it among a select group of advanced military powers and signals a strong commitment to future-ready defence technologies.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. The LR-AShM displayed at the Republic Day parade is developed for which primary role?

A. Air-to-air combat
B. Ballistic missile defence
C. Anti-ship coastal defence
D. Satellite launch