India’s Hypersonic Missile Test A Leap in Defense Technology

India has successfully conducted the flight trial of its first long-range hypersonic missile, a significant achievement in the country’s defense capabilities. This development places India in an exclusive group of nations with the technology to deploy hypersonic weapons.

Key Points

Test Overview

• Date: 16th November in Night
• Location: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
• Missile: Hypersonic missile developed by DRDO
• Speed: Capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (6,174 km/h)
• Range: Greater than 1,500 km
• Target Capability: Can hit both moving sea targets and static land targets

Hypersonic Technology

• A hypersonic missile travels at speeds five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) or more.
• Some versions can exceed Mach 15.
• Hypersonic missiles are difficult to intercept due to their speed and maneuverability, making them a strategic asset.

Global Context

Countries with Hypersonic Technology

• Russia and China are ahead in the development of hypersonic missiles.
• The United States is actively working on hypersonic missile systems.
• Other nations like France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Iran, and Israel are also pursuing hypersonic missile projects.

Indian Contribution

• The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), primarily at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
• The test demonstrated the missile’s successful flight data collection and accurate terminal maneuvers.

Defense Minister’s Statement

• Rajnath Singh hailed the missile test as a “stupendous” achievement.
• He emphasized that the success has placed India in the select group of countries with hypersonic missile technology.
• He congratulated DRDO, the armed forces, and industry partners for their contribution to this historic achievement.

Significance

• The missile’s successful test showcases India’s growing defense capabilities and strengthens its position in global military technology.
• The missile’s ability to hit moving targets at sea and static objects on land further enhances India’s strategic military reach.