New Delhi, November 17, 2024- India has successfully tested its first hypersonic missile, marking a significant leap in military technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday. The development places India among a select group of nations with advanced hypersonic capabilities, including the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea.
Hypersonic missiles represent the cutting edge of missile technology due to their ability to fly at lower altitudes, evade detection, and reach targets faster than traditional ballistic missiles. These missiles can also change their trajectory mid-flight, making them highly effective in modern warfare.
“India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile,” Singh stated. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with industry partners, the missile is designed to deliver payloads over ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) for India’s armed forces.
The missile test was conducted on Saturday from Abdul Kalam Island, located off India’s east coast. Released footage showed the sleek missile launching into the night sky, accompanied by a bright plume of flames.
The DRDO confirmed the test’s success, noting that the missile achieved “precise terminal maneuvers and impact with a high degree of accuracy.”
The achievement comes just days after neighboring China showcased its advanced military aviation technologies at an airshow, which featured the debut of the J-35A stealth fighter, attack drones, and the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting hypersonic glide vehicles.
Singh hailed the test as a “historic moment,” stating, “This significant achievement has placed our country among the select nations with capabilities in such critical and advanced military technologies.”
India’s progress in hypersonic technology signals its growing emphasis on bolstering defense capabilities amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.
