By PC Bureau
New Delhi
India has achieved a significant milestone in defense technology with the successful test-firing of a long-range hypersonic missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced this major accomplishment on Sunday, confirming that the test was conducted on Saturday. Singh emphasized that the successful trial places India among a select group of nations with the capability to develop such cutting-edge military technologies.
In a statement shared on social media, Singh described the test as a historic moment for the nation. “This is a historic moment, and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies,” he wrote. The successful test of the hypersonic missile marks a leap forward for India’s defense sector and showcases the country’s growing technological prowess.
Congratulating the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the armed forces, and the industry, Singh referred to the achievement as a “stupendous” feat. The hypersonic missile, which is capable of traveling at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, is seen as a game-changer in modern warfare, with the potential to significantly enhance India’s defense capabilities.
This test-firing not only strengthens India’s position as a leader in defense technology but also demonstrates the growing self-reliance of the country’s military industry. It underscores the strategic importance of hypersonic missile technology, which can be used for a range of defensive and offensive military applications. This advancement positions India as a formidable player in the field of modern defense technology, on par with other nations developing hypersonic weapons.
A hypersonic missile is a type of missile that travels at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), which is approximately 6,174 kilometers per hour (3,836 miles per hour). These missiles are considered a significant advancement in weaponry due to their extreme speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade traditional missile defense systems.
There are two main types of hypersonic missiles:
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: These are powered by advanced scramjet engines, which allow them to sustain hypersonic speeds while flying within the atmosphere. They are highly maneuverable and can change course mid-flight, making them difficult to intercept.
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These are launched atop a rocket booster and then glide at hypersonic speeds within the atmosphere. Once launched, they can change direction and altitude unpredictably, making them challenging targets for defense systems.
Due to their speed, hypersonic missiles can strike targets much faster than traditional ballistic or cruise missiles, reducing the time for defense systems to detect and intercept them. This has made them a point of interest for military powers seeking an edge in both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Several countries have developed or are actively researching hypersonic missile capabilities. These include:
- China – Considered a global leader in hypersonic missile technology, China has deployed various ground-, air-, and sea-launched hypersonic systems
.2. Russia – Russia has also been at the forefront of hypersonic missile development, having already used these weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
.3. United States – While the U.S. has invested billions into research across multiple military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force), it has not yet deployed a hypersonic missile system
.4. India – India is progressing with hypersonic missile development, including research on both glide vehicles and cruise missiles
5. North Korea – North Korea has made significant advancements, having tested several hypersonic missiles
.6. Other countries with developing or emerging capabilities include Australia, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Iran, and Brazil
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