DRDO Achieves Breakthrough with India’s First Long-Range Hypersonic Missile

On 16 November India’s successful test of its first long-range hypersonic missile has been celebrated as a significant milestone, placing the country among the few global powers with advanced hypersonic technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of this achievement, emphasizing the nation’s enhanced defense capabilities. The missile, as detailed in an official statement, can deliver multiple payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 kilometers. It was developed domestically, leveraging the expertise of scientists at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, alongside other DRDO facilities and industry collaborators.

Abouy Hypersonic Missiles and Their Strategic Importance

Hypersonic missiles are known for their exceptional speed—five times faster than the speed of sound, or Mach-5—which equates to roughly a mile per second. A distinguishing feature of these weapons is their ability to maneuver dynamically, unlike ballistic missiles that adhere to a fixed flight path.

Hypersonic weaponry falls into two main categories: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCM). HGVs are launched via rockets and glide toward their targets, whereas HCMs use scramjet engines, which are air-breathing, high-speed propulsion systems, to strike their targets.

Defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin describes hypersonic weapons as transformative for national security.

Advantages of Hypersonic Missiles

General John Hyten, former Commander of US Strategic Command, noted the strategic benefits of hypersonic weapons, including their ability to deliver rapid, long-distance strikes against well-defended or time-sensitive targets like mobile missile launchers. These capabilities are crucial when traditional forces are either unavailable or unable to engage.

Unlike conventional weapons, hypersonic missiles rely on kinetic energy from their motion to destroy targets, including hardened or subterranean structures. The UK Parliament’s 2023 research report highlighted their ability to fly at lower altitudes, making them less detectable by some radar systems.

Challenges and Limitations of Hypersonic Technology

Despite their advantages, hypersonic missiles pose significant engineering challenges. As noted by Lockheed Martin, achieving high speeds requires overcoming issues like extreme heat generated from friction and ensuring precise maneuverability. Communication systems also face hurdles, as maintaining reliable connectivity and coordination during hypersonic flight is difficult. Additionally, hypersonic missile development is more costly compared to traditional ballistic missiles.

Global Developments in Hypersonic Weaponry

Russia and China currently lead the global race in hypersonic missile technology. The United States is actively developing multiple hypersonic systems, with significant investments like the $756 million contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW).

In the context of ongoing conflicts, Russia has already deployed hypersonic weapons, such as the Kinzhal missile, which was used to target an underground ammunition facility in Ukraine in 2022, according to a statement by the Russian Defence Ministry. Other nations, including France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Iran, and Israel, are also engaged in developing their own hypersonic missile systems.