India has successfully conducted its first test of a long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities.
Adjust Path Mid Flight
The test occurred on November 16, 2024, at Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal.
The event was reported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier military research agency.
Hypersonic missiles, defined by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 3,800 miles per hour), present formidable challenges to conventional radar and air defense systems due to their velocity and maneuverability.
Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a predictable parabolic trajectory, hypersonic missiles can adjust their flight path mid-course, making interception exceedingly difficult, according to El Economista.
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A Historic Moment
India's Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, hailed the test as a "historic moment" that positions the nation among a select group of countries possessing this advanced military technology.
Prior to India's achievement, the United States, Russia, and China were at the forefront of hypersonic missile development.
The United States initiated its hypersonic weapons program in the early 2000s, focusing on both hypersonic glide vehicles and cruise missiles.
In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a successful end-to-end test of the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, which traveled over 2,000 miles from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands.
Russia has been a leader in deploying operational hypersonic weapons. The Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered service in December 2019, capable of carrying nuclear warheads and reaching speeds up to Mach 27.
Additionally, the Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile has been operational since 2017, with a reported range of approximately 1,200 miles.
China has also made significant strides, unveiling the DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle during a military parade in October 2019.
The DF-17 is designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads, with an estimated range of 1,500 miles.
Determining which country possesses the most advanced hypersonic technology is challenging, as each nation's program has unique strengths.
Russia's Avangard boasts unparalleled speed, while China's DF-17 emphasizes maneuverability and range. The United States continues to invest heavily in research and development to close any existing gaps.
