India’s DRDO testfires Hypersonic Missile: New Delhi, India – November 18, 2024 – India has made a significant stride in its defense capabilities by successfully test-firing a long-range hypersonic missile. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the flight test on November 17, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
The missile, designed to carry various payloads, has a range of over 1,500 kilometers. It is capable of operating in all three domains: air, land, and sea. The successful test marks a significant milestone for India, placing it among a select group of nations possessing this advanced technology.
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India’s Hypersonic Missile. (November 17, 2024)
A Leap in Missile Technology
Hypersonic missiles are characterized by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, five times the speed of sound. Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a fixed trajectory, hypersonic missiles can maneuver mid-flight, making them extremely difficult to intercept. This advanced capability significantly enhances a nation’s strategic deterrence.
The DRDO has been actively pursuing hypersonic technology for several years. The successful test of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) in 2019 and 2020 demonstrated the feasibility of scramjet propulsion, a key technology for hypersonic flight.
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Global Implications
India’s successful test of a long-range hypersonic missile has significant geopolitical implications. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region, the development of advanced weapon systems like hypersonic missiles becomes increasingly important. India’s growing military prowess, coupled with its strategic partnerships, is reshaping the regional and global security landscape.
The development of hypersonic weapons is a global trend, with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China investing heavily in this technology. India’s successful test underscores its commitment to technological advancement and its emergence as a major military power.
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