India has successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile, in a significant milestone in developing the country’s advanced military technology.
The announcement came few days after China displayed its latest military aviation capabilities, taking the competition to a new level between the two rising powers. India now has joined a select group of countries possessing hypersonic weapons.
Successful Test
The Indian Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh, announced on Saturday the success of the launch test. He said in a statement: “India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long-range hypersonic missile,” reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The long-range hypersonic missile was developed by the state-run Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and industry partners. The DRDO released video images showing the missile bursting through the sky with a trail of flames following it.
The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted a flight trial of its long range hypersonic missile on 16th Nov 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry for successful flight… pic.twitter.com/wq7yM2YS9f
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) November 17, 2024
The missile is designed for military use and is capable of carrying payloads for ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers, the Economic Times reported citing the Indian government’s statement. “The flight data … confirmed the successful terminal maneuvers and impact with high degree of accuracy,” the statement said.
Global Push for Hypersonic Capabilities
Hypersonic weapons can travel faster than the speed of sound, reaching speeds greater than Mach 5 (6,126 km/h). They can fly lower, and can evade most of the existing air defense systems. They can also reach targets more quickly, change target in mid-flight, and are capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads.
Hence, this advanced technology has emerged as a key aspect of modern defense strategies. The US, Russia, China and North Korea have tested hypersonic missiles. In addition, several countries, including France, Germany, Japan, Iran and Israel, are developing their hypersonic capabilities.
Competition with China
The announcement of India’s hypersonic missile test success came only days after neighboring China displayed its growing air capabilities at an airshow. The Chinese showcase included the J-35A stealth fighter jet, attack drones, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system, which is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles.
In recent years, India has strengthened its defense cooperation with Western countries. This includes forging alliances with other countries, such as the Quad alliance with the US, Japan and Australia.
Moreover, India is expanding its military arsenal through increased weapon purchases, including the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
